Army Publishing Directorate
Summary: DA Form 4856 is the official U.S. Army form used to document developmental counseling sessions between leaders and subordinates.
This document is the March 2023 version of DA Form 4856, the standard Developmental Counseling Form used across the United States Army. It is designed to facilitate structured communication between leaders and soldiers, covering performance, professional growth, and specific counseling requirements. The form is an interactive PDF that supports digital entry, saving, and electronic signatures, serving as a critical tool for personnel management and leadership development as outlined in Army doctrine.
Document outline
1. I. Administrative Data 2. II. Background Information 3. III. Summary of Counseling 4. IV. Assessment of the Plan of Action 5. V. Leader Responsibilities and Session Details