Unsatisfactory Participation Counseling

Why Early Intervention Matters

Per MCRAMM Chapter 4 Section 3, members may face Unsatisfactory Participation processing for 9 or more unexcused IDT absences in 12 months. By the time the threshold is reached, member's Reserve career is at serious risk.

Early intervention prevents this. As section leader, you spot the pattern early and intervene before formal processing.

Early intervention.

• Saves member's career
• Identifies and addresses root causes
• Documents counseling efforts (supports later actions if needed)
• Reduces admin burden on S-1 and PAC
• Demonstrates leadership

When to Intervene

Specific triggers for early intervention.

Pattern Beginning

Member missing 1-2 drills.

• Early signal of potential problem
• Address before pattern develops

Approaching 5 Absences

Member at 4-5 unexcused absences in 12-month window.

• Approaching threshold
• Critical intervention point

Pre-Threshold

Member at 7-8 absences.

• Imminent Unsat threshold
• Final intervention opportunity

Specific Concerning Patterns

• Multiple drills in row missed
• Civilian employment changes affecting drilling
• Family situation changes
• Personal issues affecting member

Performance Steps

Step 1 - Identify At-Risk Members

Track section attendance carefully.

• Pull section drill records each weekend
• Note absences (excused vs unexcused)
• Track 12-month rolling totals
• Flag at-risk members

Step 2 - Initial Intervention

For first signs of pattern.

• Informal discussion first
• Identify root cause if possible
• Brief on importance
• Set expectations

Step 3 - Documented Counseling (Page 11)

If pattern continues.

• Schedule formal counseling
• Document via Page 11
• Specific facts (dates, absences)
• Required improvement
• Member acknowledgment

Step 4 - Coordinate Makeup Opportunities

Per MCRAMM.

• Equivalent Duty Periods (EDPs) within 60 days
• Specific scheduling
• Track makeup completion

Step 5 - Continued Monitoring

After counseling.

• Verify improvement
• Continue tracking
• Address continued issues
• Specific follow-up

Step 6 - Pre-Threshold Counseling

If member approaches threshold.

• Formal counseling on consequences
• Document Page 11
• Coordinate with command
• Specific options briefed

Step 7 - Coordinate with Command

For potential Unsat processing.

• Brief commander on member's situation
• Provide all documentation
• Specific recommendations
• Coordinate next steps

Initial Intervention Approach

For first signs of pattern.

Informal Conversation

Before Page 11.

• Pull Marine aside privately
• "I noticed you missed last drill"
• Listen to reason
• Identify if excusable
• Set expectations going forward

Identify Root Cause

Common causes.

• Civilian employment conflicts
• Family situations
• Health issues
• Personal struggles
• Lack of motivation

Different causes require different approaches.

Set Clear Expectations

Specific behavior expected.

• Attendance at all scheduled drills
• Communication if conflict arises
• Specific procedures for excused absences
• Timeline for improvement

Documented Counseling Approach

If informal intervention insufficient.

Page 11 Format

Per MCO P1070.12MCO P1070.12.

• Subject: "Counseling for Unexcused IDT Absences"
• Specific dates of absences
• Specific impact on section and unit
• Required improvement
• Specific timeline
• Member acknowledgment

Counseling Session

When delivering Page 11.

• Private setting
• Read Page 11 to member
• Discuss specific absences
• Listen to member's perspective
• Brief on consequences if pattern continues
• Member signs

Documentation Filing

Per MCO P1070.12MCO P1070.12 and MARADMIN 015/20MARADMIN 015/20.

• Page 11 to OMPF via UD/MIPS
• Copy to member
• Copy to unit personnel file
• Specific tracking

Equivalent Duty Periods (EDPs)

Per MCRAMM Chapter 3.

What EDPs Do

Allow member to make up missed drill.

• Paid EDP (EIO): Within 60 days, same FY, earns pay and points
• Unpaid EDP (EIN): Beyond 60 days or different FY, earns points only

Coordinating EDPs

For at-risk members.

• Identify makeup opportunities
• Coordinate with command for authorization
• Schedule EDP
• Verify member completion

Tracking EDP Completion

For each missed drill.

• Note EDP scheduled
• Verify member performed
• Document completion
• Update participation tracker

Common Causes and Approaches

Civilian Employment Conflicts

Member's civilian job affecting drilling.

• USERRA brief to member
• Specific employer notification documentation
• Coordinate alternate drilling if needed
• Specific procedures per situation

Family Situations

Member's family affecting drilling.

• Family Readiness Officer support
• Specific resources
• Coordinate accommodations if appropriate
• Specific documentation

Health Issues

Member's health affecting drilling.

• Medical evaluation
• Specific documentation
• Possible LIMDU consideration
• Coordinate with medical staff

Personal Issues

Member dealing with personal struggles.

• Compassionate approach
• Connect with chaplain or counseling
• Specific support resources
• Maintain professional boundaries

Motivation Issues

Member losing interest in service.

• Career counseling
• Specific options discussion
• Possible component change consideration
• Honest conversation about service

Pre-Threshold Counseling

When member approaches 9-absence threshold.

Formal Counseling

Document via Page 11.

• Specific count of absences
• Specific consequences if threshold reached
• Specific improvement required
• Specific timeline

Brief on Consequences

Member should understand.

• Possible Unsat Participation processing
• Possible transfer to IRR
• Possible involuntary order to active duty (for members under initial agreement)
• Possible discharge

Final Intervention

Last opportunity to correct.

• Specific remediation plan
• Specific support
• Specific timeline
• Coordinate with command

When Unsat Processing Begins

Per MCRAMM Chapter 4 Section 3.

Your Role During Processing

• Provide all counseling documentation
• Witness statements if needed
• Specific recommendations
• Continue supporting member during process

Commander Decision

After your documentation and command review.

• Counseling efforts considered
• Member's response considered
• Recommendation made
• Final action determined

Section-Level Tracker

Maintain section participation tracker.

Update after each drill weekend.

Common Counseling Mistakes

These weaken intervention.

No Documentation

Verbal counseling without follow-up Page 11.

• Late actions lack documentation
• Pattern not established
• Counseling efforts not visible

Documentation Too Late

Counseling occurs at threshold instead of early.

• Less opportunity for member to recover
• Pattern already serious
• Limits options

One Page 11 Per Cycle

Multiple incidents lumped together.

• Each significant incident deserves documentation
• Pattern stronger with multiple Page 11s
• Specific actions documented

Member Not Acknowledged

Page 11 without member signature.

• Procedural weakness
• Specific procedures not followed
• Document refusal if member refuses

No Follow-Through

Counseling without verifying improvement.

• Pattern continues unaddressed
• Continued absences not addressed
• Member's situation worsens

Coordination Touchpoints

Unsat counseling touches.

• S-1 admin: For Page 11 processing
• Family Readiness Officer: For family-related causes
• Chaplain: For specific personal issues
• Commander: For specific decisions
• SJA: For UCMJ-relevant issues

Related Roles

Unsat counseling connects through chain.

• Marines facing pattern receive intervention.
• Admin at I&I and PAC processes Unsat actions.
• Commanders make final Unsat decisions.

Your early intervention often saves Marines from Unsat processing entirely.