FORT SILL, Okla.-- Our office is routinely asked the question "is this considered corrective action or punishment?"

When we reply, Soldiers or their leaders always seem to throw in a few more questions or excuses to validate the action(s) they perceive to be correct. Corrective training is really just a technique used by leaders (officers or noncommissioned officers) to assist Soldiers who have demonstrated they need and would benefit from additional instruction (including on the spot corrections) or practice in a particular skill the Soldier is deficient in and would help him or her in meeting the standard.

NCOs should maintain daily contact with Soldiers and instill the basic standards of discipline and conduct on a regular basis.

Army Regulation 600-20, Paragraph 2-18b (3), Army Command Policy, states "NCOs are assistants to commanders in administering minor nonpunitive corrective actions." Note nonpunitive measures are not the same as nonjudicial punishment, which only may be directed by commanding officers.

When considering what type of corrective training a Soldier should receive, remember the training, instruction, or correction given, must be directly related to the Soldier's deficiency or problem area. This training may be conducted during or after normal duty hours. Since this is training and not a punishment, leaders should supervise the corrective action to ensure all tasks are completed properly.

If these actions are important enough for Soldiers to do to improve, they should be important enough for the presence of leadership. Using these types of measures ensure the nature of training or instruction, not punishment.

A few examples of corrective training might include: a Soldier who appears in an improper uniform may need special instruction on how to wear the uniform correctly; a Soldier in poor physical shape may need to do additional conditioning drills or foot marches; a Soldier with a dirty weapon may need to devote more time and effort cleaning his or her assigned weapon or may need instruction on the proper care and maintenance of weapons. These are just a few examples. The hardest part as a leader in ordering a Soldier to do corrective training is it takes additional time and effort on leaders as well.

One of the things I have learned as a leader is the amount of time and effort I give to my Soldiers always comes back to me in a positive manner.

While it's often easier for a leader to just raise his or her voice. The message does not always get across to the Soldier. Start by attacking the performance, not the Soldier.

I want to depart by sharing one of my favorite quotes from Gen. Bruce Clarke, "Regardless of age or grade, Soldiers should be treated as mature individuals. They are engaged in an honorable profession and deserve to be treated as such."

If you have any further questions, The Office of the Inspector General is at 1643 Randolph Road next to Nye Library. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except for regularly scheduled training and federal holidays.

Our contact numbers are 580-442-3109/3224 or email to: usarmy.sill.fcoe.mbx.fort-sill-inspector-general@mail.mil. If you call during non-duty hours, you may leave a voice mail, and we will return your call the next duty day.