COUNSELING
Remember, effective counseling helps manage expectations, achieve goals, & improves the unit. It is one of the most important leader & developmental responsibilities. Counseling serves as the CC’s first tool for corrective action. However, not all airmen who are in trouble need counseling & not all airmen who need counseling are in trouble.
Sometimes you must “go-with-the-flow,” otherwise use this format:
1. Open the session
2. Discuss the issues
3. Develop a plan of action
4. Close the session
**IMPORTANT:
The counseling process does not end after the counseling session!!
First sergeants must ensure supervisors provide subordinates opportunity to implement plan of action or provide additional time and/or other appropriate resources to address the issue
COUNSELING DIRECTIVE
AFI 36-2907, UNFAVORABLE INFORMATION FILE (UIF) PROGRAM
This is ONLY a guide to facilitate ACTION, create REMINDERS, and provide QUESTIONS to think about
Please use applicable directive(s) for specific instructions
DOCUMENT!
DOCUMENT!
DOCUMENT!
All written counselings should include:
1. Specifically, what member did or failed to do
2. What improvement is expected
3. Further deviation will result in more severe action (but don’t restrict your options)
4. Privacy Act Statement
5. Statement that Member has 45 days to acknowledge & provide pertinent info before final decision is made
6. Statement that initiator has 45 days to reply to member
Remember: LOCs, LOAs, & LORs are solely an administrative action and are designed to improve, correct, and instruct individuals who depart from standards.
Letter of Counseling (LOC)
Although there are no guidelines for how long to retain a LOC, many CCs destroy LOCs one year after the last counseling session, or upon the member’s reassignment or separation. If desired, CCs also have the option of placing LOC in the UIF
AF Form 174 can be used in lieu of a Letter of Counseling
Letter of Admonition (LOA)
An admonishment is more severe than a LOC/174. Generally, use LOA as a warning order for misconduct, but do not use it when a LOR is more appropriate.
Letter of Reprimand (LOR)
A reprimand is more severe than a LOC or LOA & indicates a stronger degree of condemnation. Generally, your CC will issue a LOR. If CC does not issue LOR, CC must still acknowledge & endorse the document.
NOTE: LOR for enlisted has a disposition of 1 year in UIF