5 Tips For Filling Da Form 3986

Quick Links :

The DA Form 3986, also known as the "Rating Chain Counseling and Evaluation Form," is a crucial document used by the US Army to evaluate and provide feedback to soldiers on their performance. Filling out this form correctly is essential for accurate evaluation and effective communication between soldiers and their superiors. In this article, we will provide you with 5 tips for filling out DA Form 3986.

Understanding the Purpose of DA Form 3986

Before we dive into the tips, it's essential to understand the purpose of DA Form 3986. The form is used to evaluate a soldier's performance, provide feedback, and identify areas for improvement. It's a critical tool for career development and helps soldiers understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Tip 1: Be Honest and Objective

When filling out DA Form 3986, it's crucial to be honest and objective. Soldiers should receive accurate feedback that reflects their performance, and superiors should provide constructive criticism that helps soldiers grow. Avoid biases and focus on specific behaviors or actions that support or detract from the soldier's performance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

To provide effective feedback, identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that are relevant to the soldier's job and responsibilities. KPIs help measure performance and provide a clear understanding of what's expected. Some examples of KPIs include:

• Leadership skills
• Communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Technical skills and knowledge

Tip 2: Focus on Behavior, Not Personality

When providing feedback, focus on specific behaviors or actions rather than personality traits. This helps soldiers understand what they need to improve and how to do it. Avoid making subjective comments that can be perceived as personal attacks.

Behavioral Examples

Use specific examples to illustrate behaviors that support or detract from performance. For example:

• "I've noticed that you've been consistently late to formations, which affects the team's overall readiness."
• "Your attention to detail has improved significantly, and you've successfully completed several projects with minimal errors."

Tip 3: Use the STAR Method

The STAR method is a useful framework for providing structured feedback. It stands for:

• Situation: Set the context for the behavior or action.
• Task: Describe the task or responsibility.
• Action: Explain the specific behavior or action.
• Result: Outline the outcome or impact.

Example of the STAR Method

Situation: During a recent training exercise, I observed your team's performance.

Task: Your team was responsible for completing a complex project within a tight deadline.

Action: You took the lead and coordinated the team's efforts, ensuring that everyone was aware of their responsibilities and deadlines.

Result: The project was completed successfully, and the team received positive feedback from the instructor.

Tip 4: Provide Actionable Recommendations

Feedback should be actionable and provide clear recommendations for improvement. Avoid vague comments that don't offer specific guidance. Use the feedback to help soldiers develop a plan for improvement.

Example of Actionable Recommendations

• "To improve your leadership skills, I recommend that you attend a leadership development course and practice delegating tasks to team members."
• "To enhance your communication skills, I suggest that you work on active listening and ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding."

Tip 5: Review and Revise

Finally, review and revise the DA Form 3986 carefully before submitting it. Ensure that the feedback is accurate, constructive, and actionable. Make sure to proofread for spelling and grammar errors to maintain professionalism.

By following these 5 tips, you'll be able to fill out DA Form 3986 effectively and provide valuable feedback to soldiers. Remember to be honest and objective, focus on behavior, use the STAR method, provide actionable recommendations, and review and revise carefully.

We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.