The SOAR Card
Observations and assessments need to be provided back to the subordinate leader. Effective feedback requires careful preparation that includes recording observations and assessments of a subordinate leader. The SOAR Observation & Assessment Card is one method to accurately and completely record this information. The four sections of the SOAR card are explained below.
You can access an example of a completed SOAR card and a SOAR card template on the next page.
Situation
This section of the SOAR card is intended to answer the question: What situation prompted the corrective feedback?
Describe the situation and the setting in which the behavior or performance you observed occurred. Include the time, location, and other contextual information. Use words that depict action and that link effects and outcomes. Importantly, think about the constraints that the person was under during the task. For example, did something occur prior to the observation that may have affected their concentration? This information helps you and the feedback recipient recall the situation and the circumstances surrounding it.
Observation
This section of the SOAR card is intended to answer the question: What behavior needs to be corrected and what impact does it have?
Describe the specific behaviors or performance you want to correct. Corrective feedback should focus on observable behaviors or performance. Keep your observations factual and objective, and don’t assume the person’s motives.
Describe the impact of the behavior or performance on the mission and Soldiers. Understanding the consequences of the behavior helps you communicate the rationale for why the behavior needs to be corrected.
Associate and Assess
This section of the SOAR card is intended to answer the question: How does the behavior align with FM 6-22 competencies or attributes?
Associate leader strengths and development needs observed with FM 6-22 competencies or attributes. Refer back to ADRP 6-22 to learn more about the Army Core Leader Competency Model. For quick reference, refer to the U.S. Army Performance Evaluation Guide, pages 15-22.
Reinforce and Recommend
This section of the SOAR card is intended to answer the question: What actions are needed to improve the behavior?
Describe what you hope the corrective feedback will accomplish. Note appropriate feedback, praise, or correction. Although you’ll need to get input from the feedback recipient to create specific goals and action plans, it’s useful to have objectives in mind. Identify actions that the feedback recipient can take to improve behavior or performance.