Who must ensure that all members of their command receive timely performance counseling?

• A. The Commander
• B. The First Sergeant
• C. The Senior NCO
• D. The Platoon Leader

Answer: (A)

Performance counseling is a leadership obligation that feeds a soldier’s development and the unit’s readiness. The person at the top of the command chain bears the responsibility to ensure that every member receives timely feedback, guidance, and developmental counseling. The commander sets the policy, assigns the cadence, and holds the chain of command accountable for making sure counseling happens across the entire unit. While the actual counseling sessions are typically delivered by those who supervise the soldiers directly—like First Sergeants or platoon leaders—the overarching duty to guarantee that the program runs and that no one is left out rests with the commander. This ensures consistent standards, proper documentation, and that all personnel understand expectations and paths for improvement.