Verbal Counseling Statement - DEPRECATED
| This is the Document Release Information | |
| Article Number: | 7CAV-R-015 |
| Scope: | Verbal Counseling Statement |
| Version: | Version 1.1 |
| Effective Date: | 05 AUG 18 |
| Last Modified Date: | DDMMMYYYY |
| Approving Authority: | Regimental Commanding Officer |
| Point of Contact: | Regimental Chief of Staff |
DOWNLOAD: Blank ICS/VCS Form
Purpose
A verbal counselling statement (VCS) is a Non-Punitive measure used to counsel an individual on something he or she has done that is incorrect. The goal of the VCS is to verbally discuss the issue with the individual until there is a full understanding of what they did wrong and what measures the individual will take to prevent it happening again.
Likewise the VCS ensures that the counselor, usually the next member in the individual's Chain of Command, has a plan of action to help the individual and it ensures that they will check back with trooper in future to ensure the issue is resolved. If an individual has done something incorrect, a VCS must be issued. Not documenting any discussions with individuals only hampers further counseling if it becomes necessary.
Content
The content of a Verbal Counseling Statement must at minimum detail the following:
- The details of the behavior, actions or issue that prompted the VCS and how it contravenes our standards, rules or regulations.
- A plan developed by the counselor in consultation with the trooper to ensure the issue doesn't reoccur. This plan should spell out the actions to be taken both by the trooper and the counselor to aid in it's success.
Delivery
Generally speaking, there are two steps to delivery:
- A private message (PM) is sent on the forum. This details the nature of the issue and basic steps to avoid recurrence. In the case of less serious issues, such as missing roll-call or section practice, the trooper will simply acknowledge the message and the counseling can be considered complete.
- For any issue that could be considered even remotely serious, a meeting in Teamspeak is essential. Written forms of communication are not efficient at communicating feelings or intentions and therefore more difficult issues should always be resolved in Teamspeak.