Developmental Counseling Statement

This is the Document Release Information
Article Number:	7CAV-R-042
Scope:	The Developmental Counselling Statement
Version:	1.1
Effective Date:	26NOV20
Last Modified Date:	15DEC20
Approving Authority:	Regimental Commanding Officer
Point of Contact:	Regimental Executive Officer

Introduction

A Developmental Counselling Statement (CS) is a Non-Punitive measure used to coach an individual on something he or she has done that is incorrect in terms of procedure or behavior. The goal of the developmental counselling statement 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 developmental counselling statement 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 the trooper in future to ensure the issue is resolved. If an individual has done something incorrectly, a Developmental Counselling Statement must be issued. Not documenting any discussions with individuals only hampers further action if it becomes necessary.

Developmental Counselling Statement Content

The content of a Counseling Statement must at minimum detail the following:

1. The date on which the statement was recorded; which will typically be on the same day of the verbal discussion.
2. The trooper involved, their rank and billet.
3. The counselling authority, their rank and billet.
4. The content of the discussion that took place, to include:

   A. The specific infraction referring to the SOP/Rule/Regulation/Order.

   B. The plan of action proposed

   C. The trooper’s comments

   D. Any other relevant business

Developmental Counselling Statement Delivery

This is the mandatory process counselling authorities must follow to execute a Developmental Counselling Statement:

1. The counselling authority will inform the trooper via a forum private message that they need to speak with them in the next 72 hours in regard to an alleged infraction. They will use a standard template to do this, inviting them to a discussion.
2. The trooper will respond to the message with the times in Zulu that they can meet the Counselling authority.

   A. If they can both meet on an agreed time - they meet and proceed to the next step.

   B. If they cannot meet, the trooper may request to meet with an alternative leader no greater than one level above the counselling authority, but this must be within the original 72 hour timeframe set.

   C. If b. Is not possible - the trooper must accept the findings and plan of the counselling authority.

3. The content of the Developmental Counselling Statement is discussed - specifically point 4.a through 4.d.
4. The counselling authority informs the trooper that a repeat of this scenario will result in further action, but at this stage it is not a punitive measure but simply to address a potential deficiency or gap in knowledge.
5. At this stage the counselling authority either:

   A. Fills in the PDF form (pre-NeXT cloud implementation - this will likely be implemented as a PAF system in the next forum update.)

   B. Utilizes a NeXT cloud process which is yet to be determined by S6.

Repeat / Multiple Developmental Counselling Statements

If an issue or behavior repeats itself within 90 days of being counseled for the same issue, a Letter of Reprimand should be prepared and delivered. Refer to Regimental SOPs for further action.

Developmental Counselling Statement Record-Keeping

Record of a counseling must be kept for at least 90 days in the relevant manner described in Battalion / Departmental SOPs. N.B. These are likely to become part of an integrated feature of the forum in due course in order to remove the administrative burden of PDF management in Google Drives.

Developmental Counselling Statement Authority

Anyone in a leadership role (Section, Platoon, Company, Battalion, Department Officers, or above) have the authority to administer a Developmental Counselling Statement to any member within their scope of authority for any failure to comply, on any occasion when deemed appropriate by their own review of the facts or as a result of a direct order from a superior Commissioned or Non-Commissioned Officer.

The Non-Punitive Nature of a Developmental Counselling Statement

A Developmental Counselling Statement is non-punitive. This means specifically that the Counselling Statement itself does not spell out a punishment as a result of the Counselling Statement.

Regimental Disciplinary Process
Counseling	Developmental Counseling Statement (DCS)
Repeated Minor Offences or Serious Offences	Letter of Reprimand (LOR) • Article 15 - Commander's Investigation and Hearing
Repeated Serious Offences or Gravely Serious Offences	Article 32 - Pre-Trial Investigation and Court Martial