1. The purpose of this document is to record the initial counseling of the Platoon Leaders within (specify unit). This initial counseling was conducted on _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
2. DUTIES: (specify duty title). Responsible for the training, safety, soldier/family welfare, and personal and professional development of all assigned personnel.
3. Your appointed duties include: (specify specific duties)
4. PROFESSIONALISM. In addition to your principal duties, the most important responsibility you have as a leader is to set the proper example for peers and subordinates.
a. Selflessness. You must place the goals of the unit and the mission before your personal goals. You must be dedicated to their accomplishment no matter what sacrifices have to be made to your personal welfare.
b. Teamwork. You must realize that you are part of a great team. Always remember that your squad or platoon is part of a larger team and that sometimes we will have to accept a less than optimal solution for our unit in order to support the larger, strategic goals of the team.
c. Orders. Execute orders as quickly and completely as possible. Follow orders first and ask questions later. Obey not only the letter of the law but the intent of the order.
d. Tasks. All tasks assigned to you are expected to be accomplished. If your task is in danger of failing, inform a supervisor ASAP so we can adjust our plans.
e. Honesty. Absolute honesty is required in all of your communications with me and with your subordinates. Cheating during training, falsifying documents, or padding medical records for the purpose of obtaining disability will not be accepted.
f. Conduct. Demonstrate the integrity of the American Soldier both on and off duty. Drink prudently. Under no circumstances should you drink and drive. If you do drink, call your supervisor to give you a ride home. DUIs are not accepted here and will result in a discharge.
g. Responsibility. Face your failures and admit your mistakes. Follow the regulations and not the crowd. Be strong enough to stand by what you know is right. It does not matter what everyone else does. You will be held responsible for your conduct.
5. PERFORMANCE. The principal duties as listed in paragraph 3 above are performance oriented. It is expected that you will perform all your duties to meet and exceed Army and unit standards. Don't wait to be told to do something you know needs to be done. Take initiative and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
a. Competence is the key to accomplishing your duties. Do all you can to develop yourself into a great NCO and soldier.
b. Physical fitness and military bearing will go a long way toward communicating that you are a competent professional. Always stay fit and be sharp.
(1) You will pass the APFT at least twice a year. The goal for squad leaders and platoon sergeants is 270 or above. You will also meet the proper height-weight standards.
(2) Always present yourself as well groomed and always meet Army haircut standards. You will shave first thing every morning including when in the field. You will wear all of your uniforms properly and maintain a sharp appearance.
(3) Display mental and physical stamina. Never give up. The goal is that you will always attempt to complete the mission unless told to stop.
(4) You will act energetically and will communicate clearly and with confidence. Never complain or criticize other officers/NCOs in front of soldiers.
c. Leadership is what the Army pays you for. To lead, you must know where you are going. Therefore, define your objective, then get your squad or platoon there.
(1) Always put the mission first. If you or your squad or platoon stop trying, we have failed. The goal is 100% mission accomplishment without expending unnecessary energy or resources. Develop your Soldiers. Instill in your subordinates the desire to achieve and accomplish the mission.
(2) Lead from the front. You will try the hardest, work the longest, get the dirtiest, be the coldest, and LEAD your soldiers.
(3) Take care of your soldiers. Be more concerned for their welfare than your own. Take care of your soldiers' families. The Army is a community and not just a job.
(4) Be strict but fair when disciplining Soldiers and remain consistent. If you bring a soldier to me, I will back you up.
(5) Give clear guidance (task, conditions, and standards) to your subordinates so they can accomplish their mission.
(6) The Commander's, 1SG's and XO's orders are mine - comply with them. Utilize their knowledge and experience to your advantage.
(7) Be a leader not a hero. A leader makes hard and unpopular but necessary decisions, while a hero gives the crowd what it wants. Soldiers like their heroes, but they respect their leaders.
(8) By virtue of your position you are owed the respect of your subordinates. Despite this, you will make every effort to earn their respect. Don't make them earn your trust, give it to them and make them prove themselves unworthy. Most soldiers will appreciate this trust and will fight to keep it. Don't make a superior fight to earn your respect. It is owed to him or her and he or she should have to prove to be unworthy of it.
d. Training is our #1 priority. You will use your abilities and resources to train your squad or platoon. Always remain ready to fight anywhere, anytime. Never waste an opportunity to train or assess the performance of tasks in training.
(1) Understand training management as outlined in FM 25-101 and make it work when you train. Maintain a current squad or platoon collective task assessment.
(2) Conduct realistic training. It is your responsibility to ensure all your squad's or platoon's training is well planned and thoroughly resourced. Training time is precious. Every time you train, it will focus on METL supporting tasks and Battle drills we determine to be most important.
(3) Train your soldiers on the things that will make them successful. If they do not qualify with their weapon and pass PT tests, you as their trainer will be held responsible for getting them there.
e. Responsibilities. You will be held responsible for all of your duties, your soldiers and their actions, your equipment, and any other Army facilities you have influence over. You must hold your subordinates accountable in the same way.
(1) Take care of the equipment and facilities you are responsible for. Keep them clean and serviceable. Protect them from damage. Get them fixed when they break. Inventory often and don't lose things. If you determine someone has mistreated, broken, or lost something, document it and hold him or her responsible for it.
(2) Conserve our limited training resources. Don't waste supplies.
f. Safety. Ensure that safety is foremost in your and your subordinates' minds. Make them follow required safety precautions. Conduct a thorough risk assessment for all activities and devise specific risk reduction measures to prevent accidents.
g. Remember that you are accountable to both me and to your senior rater. Both of us should know what you and your squad or platoon are up to at all times. Hold your subordinates responsible for staying in touch one up and one down at all times. Check in with me prior to PT and before you and your squad or platoon leave for the day.
6. I have attempted to be specific in my expectations but there may be topics that we have not yet discussed. Communicate with me regularly, so that we both know where you stand overall. We will assess and discuss your performance during monthly and quarterly counselings.
I have read and understand all the above standards. By signing below I am agreeing to adopt and maintain these standards as my own and assist my fellow soldiers in achieving these standards.
Soldier Counseled
Rank/Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Sign/Date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Counselor
Rank/Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Sign/Date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
