Letter of Counseling (LOC)

A Letter of Counseling is merely the recording of an infraction. It's a formal way of describing an unacceptable behavior so that the receiver cannot fail to understand it. Often, Airmen don't realize or understand the seriousness of their behavior. A formal letter of counseling is a way to get their attention and let them know their behavior is not acceptable and explain the possible consequences. The offender is required to sign the Letter of Counseling indicating that he or she is aware of the situation.

In the grand scheme of things, a Letter of Counseling might seem to some people to be no more significant than pencil shavings but it marks the beginning of the transition of the attempt to correct bad behavior from the workcenter, where a troop has friends and supervisors who care for him, to the squadron, where things get more serious.

Some supervisors build in another level of correction; they don't initially send the LOC to the Squadron. No one knows about it but the supervisor and the offender. But it's there, lying in the supervisor's desk drawer like a coiled cobra ready to strike if disturbed. If the offender again refuses to change his or her behavior, then the LOC (and the MFR) is forwarded to “the squadron”.

When an LOC (or similar paperwork) is forwarded to the Squadron, it is understood that the supervisor recommends that the commander file it in the UIF. A formal Letter of Counseling is normally recorded on an AF Form 174, Record of Individual Counseling. It provides a record of counseling and is useful for supporting more serious corrective action if needed. It may also be used as a reference when completing performance evaluations. If you don't have an AF Form 174 on hand, the counseling may be recorded on plain bond paper or squadron letterhead. The format isn't as important as the documenting of improper behavior. See below for examples. Click here for an example of a response to an LOC.