Da Form 3955: Army Counseling Statement Explained

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The United States Army utilizes a standardized form to document counseling sessions between a soldier and their superior officer. This form is known as the DA Form 3955, also referred to as the Army Counseling Statement. Counseling is an essential aspect of leadership and development in the Army, allowing soldiers to receive feedback, guidance, and support to improve their performance and address any issues that may arise.

The DA Form 3955 is a critical tool in this process, providing a structured format for documenting counseling sessions. In this article, we will delve into the details of the DA Form 3955, its purpose, and the information it contains.

What is the DA Form 3955?

The DA Form 3955 is a standardized form used by the United States Army to document counseling sessions between a soldier and their superior officer. The form is designed to provide a clear and concise record of the counseling session, including the purpose of the counseling, the discussion topics, and any agreements or actions items resulting from the session.

Purpose of the DA Form 3955

The primary purpose of the DA Form 3955 is to document counseling sessions between a soldier and their superior officer. This documentation serves several purposes:

• Provides a clear and concise record of the counseling session
• Ensures that both the soldier and the superior officer are aware of the discussion topics and any agreements or action items
• Facilitates follow-up and evaluation of the soldier's progress
• Supports the development of the soldier's career and personal growth

Components of the DA Form 3955

The DA Form 3955 consists of several components, including:

• Header Section: This section includes the soldier's name, rank, and social security number, as well as the date and location of the counseling session.
• Counseling Session Information: This section provides details about the counseling session, including the purpose of the counseling, the discussion topics, and any agreements or action items.
• Summary of Discussion: This section provides a brief summary of the discussion topics and any key points or agreements.
• Action Plan: This section outlines any action items or tasks assigned to the soldier as a result of the counseling session.
• Follow-up: This section provides details about any follow-up actions or evaluations that will be conducted to assess the soldier's progress.

How to Fill Out the DA Form 3955

Filling out the DA Form 3955 requires careful attention to detail and accuracy. Here are some tips to help you complete the form correctly:

• Ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date
• Use clear and concise language when summarizing the discussion topics and action items
• Ensure that the soldier understands and agrees with the action plan and any follow-up actions
• Sign and date the form to confirm that the counseling session took place

Best Practices for Using the DA Form 3955

To get the most out of the DA Form 3955, follow these best practices:

• Use the form consistently for all counseling sessions
• Ensure that the soldier understands the purpose and benefits of the counseling session
• Use the form to document both positive and negative counseling sessions
• Review and update the form regularly to ensure accuracy and completeness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using the DA Form 3955, avoid the following common mistakes:

• Failing to document counseling sessions consistently
• Not providing clear and concise language when summarizing discussion topics and action items
• Not obtaining the soldier's signature and date on the form
• Not reviewing and updating the form regularly

Benefits of Using the DA Form 3955

Using the DA Form 3955 provides several benefits, including:

• Improved documentation and record-keeping
• Enhanced accountability and transparency
• Increased effectiveness of counseling sessions
• Better support for soldier development and career growth

Conclusion

In conclusion, the DA Form 3955 is a critical tool for documenting counseling sessions between a soldier and their superior officer. By understanding the purpose and components of the form, and following best practices for its use, you can ensure that counseling sessions are effective and beneficial for both the soldier and the Army.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with the DA Form 3955 in the comments below. Have you used the form in a counseling session? What benefits or challenges have you encountered?