Career Counseling
The Army Career Counseling System Is a continuous function that begins the day a Soldier enters the Army and continues throughout the Soldier’s Army career. The Army Career Counseling System involves four phases (Integration, Professional Development, Sustainment, and Career Development). These are designed to prepare Soldiers for the future, whether a full Army career or for return to civilian pursuits. Army career counseling is an integrated effort between Commanders, Officers, NCOs, and Career Counselors.
Army career counseling matches the needs of the Army and the Soldier. It is empowerment designed to facilitate a Soldier’s career development and growth within the Army’s support systems and unique mission requirements.
Career Counseling Sessions
Career counseling sessions must be conducted for all Soldiers in the rank of staff sergeant and below, not in an indefinite status. As an exception, sustainment phase career counseling for Soldiers with nonwaivable disqualifications is not required but is recommended.
Particular attention will be given to a Soldier’s qualifications and potential for promotion and further service. Soldiers not meeting required or desired standards will be counseled on educational development programs to become qualified before their current reenlistment window expires. Soldiers must also be informed if they are potentially non-competitive in their current specialty. If retraining or reclassification is appropriate, Soldiers will be advised of alternatives in the Army and the potential effect on their career if they remain in a less competitive or overstrength specialty.
Soldiers must be asked about their future goals and personal plans for obtaining those goals. A candid assessment of the Soldier’s strong points, interests, and weaknesses will enable the Soldier to make proper decisions. All qualified Soldiers will be asked to reenlist. Those Soldiers who desire to separate, and are eligible to reenlist, will be advised of RC opportunities and enlisted or transferred to the RC.
Retention Counseling Record
Title: Integration and Professional/Career Development
When Counseled: (Within 90 days of assignment)
Who Counsels: Career Counselor
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Title: Commander’s Professional/Career Development
When Counseled: (Annually – BASD anniversary; Year 1)
Who Counsels: Company/Troop/Battery Commander
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Title: Commander’s Professional/Career Development
When Counseled: (Annually – BASD Anniversary; Year 2)
Who Counsels: Company/Troop/Battery Commander
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Title: Commander’s Professional/Career Development
When Counseled: (Annually – BASD Anniversary; Year 3)
Who Counsels: Company/Troop/Battery Commander
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Title: Commander’s Professional/Career Development
When Counseled: (Annually – BASD Anniversary; Year 4)
Who Counsels: Company/Troop/Battery Commander
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Title: Commander’s Retention
When Counseled: (2 months before entering the reenlistment window)
Who Counsels: Career Counselor
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Title: Retention
When Counseled: (1-2 months before entering the reenlistment window)
Who Counsels: Career Counselor
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Title: Retention Options
When Counseled: (Within 1st month upon entering the reenlistment window)
Who Counsels: Career Counselor