The art of corrective training; what steps to take to make sure lessons are actually learned?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 19:25:42 -0400

Whether you remember basic training, or life in the unit, you will experience some forms of corrective training. I have seen the positives of it, and the negatives. If the issue is not corrected, and the soldier hasn't learned anything, are we taking the next steps as as leaders?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 7:46 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 19:46:48 -0400

I'm advocate of mentorship training. It is not as regimental and much more personal growth can be accomplished through it. Good question!

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made May 3 at 2015 7:46 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sun, 03 May 2015 19:46:16 -0400

Not a recommended source, more of a "what not to do".
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Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 4 at 2015 1:01 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:01:57 -0400

Corrective Action has to directly address the issue (and sometime, make a point): Had a kid who couldn't pass barracks inspection. Seemed he had some aversion to cleaning. So, we took his room away, sent him to the supply docks, and issued him two shelter halves, tent stakes, and some rope. He pitched is new room right in front of the battalion HQ. He lived in that tent for 29 days. We gave him a secured locker for personal property. But, he quickly learned the inconvenience of his new digs. When he got his barracks room back, he was a "born again" Marine. He ended up actually thanking me for that experience and went on to be one of the better Marine with whom I served.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 1:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:25:53 -0400

Taken from AR 600-20 Chapter 4-6 para (b)(1):

(1) The training, instruction, or correction given to a Soldier to correct deficiencies must be directly related to the deficiency. It must be oriented to improving the Soldier’s performance in their problem area. Corrective measures may be taken after normal duty hours. Such measures assume the nature of training or instruction, not punishment. Corrective training should continue only until the training deficiency is overcome. Authority to use it is part of the inherent powers of command.

If one of my soldiers forgets their water source before a road march the way I would give them corrective training would be to have them in full kit for the entirety of the following duty day. At first they think they got off easy, but after a few hours of outside work with all your gear on, it starts to wear down on you. I've never had a soldier who underwent that training forget anything ever again during a PCC/PCI.

Making soldiers do push-ups or write essays for offenses doesn't teach them anything other than, "If I make a mistake, I'm going to get either stronger, or waste time writing an essay." Instead of sticking to the same old boring corrective training, be creative, informative, and above all else the soldier needs to learn a lesson from the training. Talking to your soldiers after the training is complete goes a long way with them and shows that you are taking steps as a leader to better them and help them along the course to succeed in the long run.