What is the purpose of a "Letter of Counseling"?

The purpose of a "Letter of Counseling" is primarily to serve as an informal disciplinary action aimed at addressing and correcting behavior before it escalates to more formal punitive measures. This type of letter is often used as a proactive approach to help service members improve their performance or rectify inappropriate behaviors without formal repercussions.

The letter typically outlines specific behaviors or actions that need to be addressed, provides guidance on how to improve, and sets expectations for future conduct. By using a Letter of Counseling, leadership can foster a learning environment where service members have the opportunity to correct their course before any formal disciplinary actions are taken.

While documenting performance and providing reprimands are important aspects of personnel management, a Letter of Counseling is specifically geared towards constructive feedback and behavioral improvement rather than official documentation of performance or formal infraction reprimands. Additionally, a Letter of Counseling does not pertain to recommendations for promotion, as that is a separate matter focused on recognizing merit and suitability for advancement.