Fillable Form DA 4856 (2023)

What is Form DA-4856?

Form DA-4856, the Developmental Counseling Form, is a critical tool used by the U.S. Army to document counseling sessions between leaders and their subordinates. It serves multiple purposes, including guiding performance improvement, providing professional development feedback, and documenting corrective actions when necessary. Leaders use this form to offer structured feedback, assess a soldier’s performance, discuss career goals, and identify any areas that may need adjustment. By formalizing the counseling process, Form DA-4856 promotes transparency and clear communication within the chain of command.

This form is divided into sections that cover specific aspects of counseling. It starts with administrative data, followed by the purpose of counseling, main discussion points, and a plan of action. The purpose section helps clarify the counseling objective, whether it’s for performance evaluation, career guidance, or corrective measures. The plan of action section then outlines actionable steps for the individual to take toward improvement or achieving set goals, fostering accountability and personal growth. Leaders can also document follow-up actions, ensuring that there is a system for monitoring progress and reinforcing the counseling session’s goals.

How do I fill out Form DA-4856?

A fillable template for DA Form 4856 can be found here.

Part I - Administrative Data

Enter the following data about the soldier and the counselor in the spaces provided:

• Name
• Rank/Grade
• Date of Counseling
• Organization
• Name and Title of Counselor

Part II - Background Information

Mark the relevant boxes and enter the relevant information for each of the following:

• Approach
  • Non-Directive
  • Combined
  • Directive
• Type of Counseling
  • General Form
  • Professional Growth
  • Performance
  • Event-Oriented
• Purpose
  • If not monthly or quarterly, enter the period of time for duty performance
• Training Data
  • ACFT
  • Score
  • Weapons Qual
  • Type
  • Score
  • DLC Status
  • GT Score
  • HT
  • WT
  • ESB/EIB/EFMB

Part III - Summary of Counseling

Enter the key points discussed, and a summary of the discussions for each of the following that was discussed during counseling:

• Exhibited Army Values
• Technical and Tactical Proficiency
• Communicated Effectively
• Exhibited Effort
• Exhibited Personal Discipline
• Contributed to the Team
• Exhibited Fitness, Military Bearing, and Appearance
• Balanced Personal and Work Obligations

Plan of Action

Enter a description for each of the following that relates to the plan of action to be taken by the soldier moving forward.

• Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-based objectives and milestones
• Implementation start time
• Assessment date timeframe

Session Closing

Have the individual counseled mark the relevant box to indicate if they agree or disagree with the information outlined in the sections above. Then have them enter any remarks they may have then sign the form in the space provided. Then enter the date that the form was signed.

Leader’s Responsibilities

Enter the leader’s responsibilities in implementing the indicated plan of action, then have the counselor sign the form in the space provided and enter the date that the form was signed.

Part IV - Assessment of the Plan of Action

Enter the goals of the plan of action that were reached or modified. Then enter an explanation of why follow-up is necessary or not.

Signatures

Have the counselor and counseled person sign the form in the space provided, then enter the date of assessment in the space provided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of counseling can Form DA-4856 be used for?

It’s used for performance, professional growth, and event-oriented counseling sessions.

What is the purpose of the “Plan of Action” section?

This section outlines specific actions for the soldier to take to improve or achieve specific goals discussed in counseling.

Can Form DA-4856 be used for disciplinary purposes?

Yes, it can document corrective actions and guidance for improvement after incidents or performance issues.

Is Form DA-4856 mandatory for all counseling sessions?

It’s typically required for formal counseling sessions, especially those related to performance or corrective actions.

How does Form DA-4856 help in career development?

By documenting career goals, strengths, and areas for improvement, it guides soldiers toward personal and professional growth.

What is the “Purpose of Counseling” section for?

It clarifies the intent of the session, whether it’s to address performance, provide guidance, or handle specific incidents.

How does the form promote accountability?

It holds both the leader and the soldier accountable by documenting agreed actions, goals, and follow-up measures.

Can Form DA-4856 be used to document positive performance?

Yes, it’s not only for corrective actions but can also document achievements and reinforce positive behavior.

How does the form structure feedback?

It provides sections to detail the purpose, discussion points, plan of action, and follow-up, ensuring clear and organized feedback.

What does the “Key Points of Discussion” section include?

It includes main topics covered during counseling, such as performance evaluation, expectations, and areas of concern.

Why is follow-up important in Form DA-4856?

Follow-up ensures that the agreed-upon actions are carried out and helps track progress toward set goals.

How is Form DA-4856 used in corrective action counseling?

It documents the incident, corrective steps, and specific actions the soldier should take to improve.

What role does the counselor’s signature play?

The counselor’s signature affirms that the counseling session occurred and that the information is accurate.

Can a soldier respond to the counseling on Form DA-4856?

Yes, soldiers can add their comments and responses to the counseling session within the form.

Why is documentation like DA-4856 important in the military?

It provides a clear record of a soldier’s development, feedback received, and any corrective actions, aiding in evaluations and promotions.