Which form is used for counseling in the Army?

The correct form used for counseling in the Army is DA Form 4856. This form is specifically designated for the purpose of conducting both performance and behavioral counseling sessions. It serves as a structured guide for leaders to document discussions between leaders and their subordinates, ensuring that there is a clear record of what was discussed, the expectations set, the goals established, and any follow-up actions required.

DA Form 4856 supports various counseling types, including initial, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance feedback, as well as other developmental or corrective counseling. This versatility makes it an essential tool for effective communication and leadership in the Army.

In contrast, other options provided serve different purposes. For instance, DA Form 2166-8 is the NCO Evaluation Report, which is used for assessing Non-Commissioned Officers’ performance, while DA Form 2166-9-1 is specifically for the evaluation of senior NCOs. AR 623-3 is Army Regulation that governs the overall evaluation process, including guidance on how evaluations and counseling should be conducted but is not a counseling form itself. Thus, DA Form 4856 is uniquely suited for the counseling process within the Army.