As a military personnel, filling out forms is a part of your daily routine. One of the most important forms you'll encounter is the DA Form 4856, also known as the Developmental Counseling Form. This form is used to document counseling sessions between a soldier and their supervisor or counselor. In this article, we'll explore the 5 ways to fill out the new DA Form 4856, ensuring that you understand the process and can complete it accurately.
Understanding the DA Form 4856
Before we dive into the 5 ways to fill out the form, it's essential to understand its purpose and layout. The DA Form 4856 is a standardized form used by the US Army to document counseling sessions. It provides a structured format for counselors to record discussions, goals, and outcomes. The form consists of several sections, including:
- Section I: Identification and Counseling Information
- Section II: Counseling Session Information
- Section III: Counseling Session Summary
- Section IV: Goals and Objectives
- Section V: Follow-up and Review
5 Ways to Fill Out the DA Form 4856
1. Accurate Identification and Counseling Information
Section I: Identification and Counseling Information
The first section of the DA Form 4856 requires you to provide accurate identification and counseling information. This includes:
- Soldier's name and Social Security number
- Rank and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
- Unit and installation
- Counselor's name and title
- Date and time of the counseling session
Ensure that you fill out this section accurately, as it will help to identify the soldier and the purpose of the counseling session.
2. Clear Counseling Session Information
Section II: Counseling Session Information
In this section, you'll need to provide a clear summary of the counseling session. This includes:
- The purpose of the counseling session
- The topics discussed during the session
- Any issues or concerns raised by the soldier
- Any actions or recommendations made by the counselor
Use bullet points or numbered lists to break down complex information and make it easier to read.
3. Concise Counseling Session Summary
Section III: Counseling Session Summary
The counseling session summary section requires you to provide a concise overview of the discussion. This should include:
- A brief summary of the topics discussed
- Any key takeaways or agreements made during the session
- Any follow-up actions or tasks assigned to the soldier or counselor
Keep this section brief and to the point, focusing on the most important information.
4. Specific Goals and Objectives
Section IV: Goals and Objectives
In this section, you'll need to outline specific goals and objectives for the soldier. This should include:
- Short-term and long-term goals
- Action steps and tasks to achieve these goals
- Any resources or support required to help the soldier achieve their goals
Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goal-setting techniques to ensure that the goals are clear and achievable.
5. Follow-up and Review
Section V: Follow-up and Review
The final section of the DA Form 4856 requires you to outline any follow-up or review actions. This should include:
- A date for the next counseling session
- Any tasks or actions to be completed by the soldier or counselor before the next session
- A plan for reviewing progress and providing feedback
Ensure that you schedule follow-up sessions regularly to monitor progress and provide ongoing support.
Best Practices for Filling Out the DA Form 4856
To ensure that you fill out the DA Form 4856 accurately and effectively, follow these best practices:
- Use clear and concise language
- Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the soldier
- Use bullet points and numbered lists to break down complex information
- Ensure that the soldier understands and agrees with the information recorded on the form
- Keep a copy of the completed form for your records
By following these best practices and the 5 ways to fill out the DA Form 4856, you'll be able to complete the form accurately and effectively. Remember to always use the most up-to-date version of the form and to follow any specific guidelines or regulations provided by your unit or installation.
What is the purpose of the DA Form 4856?
+The DA Form 4856 is used to document counseling sessions between a soldier and their supervisor or counselor.
What information do I need to provide in Section I of the DA Form 4856?
+You'll need to provide accurate identification and counseling information, including the soldier's name and Social Security number, rank and MOS, unit and installation, counselor's name and title, and date and time of the counseling session.
What is the purpose of Section IV of the DA Form 4856?
+Section IV requires you to outline specific goals and objectives for the soldier, including short-term and long-term goals, action steps and tasks, and any resources or support required.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to filling out the DA Form 4856. Remember to follow the 5 ways outlined in this article and to use the best practices provided to ensure that you complete the form accurately and effectively. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.