Counseling, Admonition & Reprimand

Commanders and supervisors are encouraged to use administrative tools to encourage and correct individual behavior. Such tools include counseling, admonition and reprimand. The intent is to correct rather than punish behavior.

Counseling is the lowest level of administrative action. An admonition is more severe than counseling, and a reprimand is more severe than an admonition and carries a stronger degree of official censure.

Progressive, written feedback is appropriate for any departure from professional standards. Commanders and supervisors should draft and maintain these documents consistent with published instructions, as failure to do so may limit their use in a court-martial or discharge proceeding.

As a general rule, members should be informed of the specific behavior that was a departure, the expected behavior, and the consequences for failure to correct. Members should be given an opportunity to respond.

Administrative tools are also appropriate for misconduct by a Reserve Component member while in a civilian status.