5 Ways To Fill Out Da Form 4856 Army Correctly

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Developing a Systematic Approach to Completing the DA Form 4856 Army

The DA Form 4856 Army, also known as the Developmental Counseling Form, is a crucial document used by the US Army to counsel and develop its personnel. The form serves as a tool for leaders to provide constructive feedback, set goals, and track the progress of their subordinates. However, filling out the DA Form 4856 Army correctly can be a daunting task, especially for new leaders. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to fill out the DA Form 4856 Army correctly, ensuring that you provide effective counseling and development to your team members.

Understanding the Purpose and Structure of the DA Form 4856 Army

Before we dive into the steps to fill out the DA Form 4856 Army correctly, it's essential to understand the purpose and structure of the form. The DA Form 4856 Army is used to document counseling sessions between leaders and their subordinates. The form consists of several sections, including:

• Section I: Administrative Data
• Section II: Counseling Data
• Section III: Leader's/ Counselor's Comments
• Section IV: Soldier's Comments
• Section V: Plan of Action

Each section plays a crucial role in the counseling process, and it's essential to complete them accurately.

Step 1: Completing Section I - Administrative Data

The first step in filling out the DA Form 4856 Army is to complete Section I, which includes administrative data such as the soldier's name, rank, and Social Security number. This section also requires the leader's signature and date.

• Ensure that you enter the correct information, as this will be used to identify the soldier and track their counseling sessions.
• Use the soldier's official name and rank, as listed in their personnel records.
• Verify the soldier's Social Security number to ensure accuracy.

Step 2: Documenting Counseling Sessions in Section II

Section II of the DA Form 4856 Army is where you document the counseling sessions. This section includes the date, time, and location of the counseling session, as well as the topics discussed.

• Ensure that you document each counseling session accurately, including the date, time, and location.
• Use a clear and concise format to document the topics discussed during the counseling session.
• Focus on specific behaviors or actions that need improvement, rather than general comments.

Example of Documenting Counseling Sessions

• Date: 2023-02-15
• Time: 0900 hours
• Location: Battalion Headquarters
• Topics Discussed:
  • Performance improvement plan
  • Goal setting for upcoming training exercises

Step 3: Providing Leader's Comments in Section III

Section III of the DA Form 4856 Army is where you provide your comments as the leader. This section includes your observations, feedback, and recommendations for the soldier.

• Use this section to provide constructive feedback that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Focus on the soldier's strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure that your comments are fair, impartial, and respectful.

Example of Leader's Comments

• "Soldier demonstrated exceptional leadership skills during the recent training exercise. However, they need to improve their communication skills to effectively articulate their plan to the team. Recommended training exercises include practicing public speaking and developing a clear and concise communication plan."

Step 4: Capturing Soldier's Comments in Section IV

Section IV of the DA Form 4856 Army is where the soldier provides their comments. This section allows the soldier to respond to the counseling session and provide their perspective.

• Ensure that the soldier understands the purpose of the counseling session and the goals that were discussed.
• Encourage the soldier to provide feedback and ask questions.
• Use this section to clarify any misconceptions and provide additional guidance.

Example of Soldier's Comments

• "I understand the expectations for improving my communication skills and will work on developing a clear and concise communication plan. I would like to schedule additional training exercises to practice public speaking and receive feedback from my leaders."

Step 5: Developing a Plan of Action in Section V

Section V of the DA Form 4856 Army is where you develop a plan of action with the soldier. This section includes specific goals, objectives, and timelines for achieving the desired outcomes.

• Use the SMART criteria to develop specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
• Ensure that the plan of action is aligned with the soldier's strengths and weaknesses.
• Establish clear expectations and timelines for achieving the desired outcomes.

Example of Plan of Action

• Goal: Improve communication skills
• Objectives:
  • Develop a clear and concise communication plan
  • Practice public speaking through training exercises
  • Receive feedback from leaders and peers
• Timeline:
  • Week 1-2: Develop communication plan
  • Week 3-4: Practice public speaking through training exercises
  • Week 5-6: Receive feedback from leaders and peers

Conclusion

Filling out the DA Form 4856 Army correctly requires attention to detail, clear communication, and a systematic approach. By following these five steps, you can ensure that you provide effective counseling and development to your team members. Remember to document each counseling session accurately, provide constructive feedback, and develop a plan of action that is aligned with the soldier's strengths and weaknesses. By doing so, you can help your team members achieve their goals and improve their performance.

What's Next?

• Take the time to review the DA Form 4856 Army and familiarize yourself with its structure and purpose.
• Practice filling out the form using the steps outlined in this article.
• Seek feedback from your leaders and peers on your counseling skills and form completion.

Share Your Thoughts

• What challenges have you faced when filling out the DA Form 4856 Army?
• How do you ensure that you provide effective counseling and development to your team members?
• Share your experiences and tips in the comments section below.