Leaders, when you verbally counsel a soldier, do you have a wittness present?

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 14:10:01 -0500

I have a male battle buddy and if he must speak to a female soldier for a particular reason other than giving orders or tasks, he likes to have a fellow NCO present. He does this in the event the female soldier fabricates some twisted perception or fabricates a story that he sexually harassed or assaulted them when he certainly didn't.

What do you think of this? Have you ever done the same thing? Is this sexist?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2013 2:42 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 14:42:18 -0500

I don't see this as sexist. I do this even with male Soldiers. It seems that us NCO's can't counsel our Soldiers anymore because all of a sudden we are harassing or assaulting them and if we don't have that witness to support, our career comes to a halt. So I will personally have someone with me at all times.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2013 3:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 15:19:05 -0500

There's been a few times that I've been asked to be present as a witness. There's also a few times I've brought one along with me when giving sensitive-natured information to my Chain. I think it's a smart move, regardless of gender. It ensures that the information was relayed and eliminates excuses on both sides. I personally started bringing a witness when I had a Sergeant claim I never gave him some info, which turned everything into a Charlie Foxtrot. You just have to find someone reliable to bring along as a witness. I know that my presence is requested at times because I have a good memory and only give the facts, without a bias, and let the other person draw the conclusions.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2013 10:08 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 22:08:18 -0500

I don't think it's sexist. I have told my NCO's to do this because our female SPC has done what you mentioned and fabricated stories... even when there were two NCO's, or even myself in the room during counseling. All things being the same, I would suggest that if it's being done, it should be across the board for both female and male subordinates. That would avert being deemed "sexist".

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 24 at 2013 11:52 PM

SFC James Baber — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 23:52:47 -0500

I believe it is beneficial for both sides of the counseling, the Soldier and the NCO, it doesn't matter the gender it should always be a consideration for the protection and clarity of the counseling.