Edwards hosts Additional Duty First Sergeant Seminar

  • Published
  • By Meredith Mingledorff
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 95th Air Base Wing hosted the Additional Duty First Sergeant Seminar at the Conference Center here Jan. 9 -13. Sixty-eight non-commissioned officers from 17 different bases attended the event. The focus was training Airmen to fill additional duty first sergeant positions and educate those interested in becoming a first sergeant someday.

"Many of our current first sergeants attended this seminar before they actually put in their package to become first sergeants," said Master Sgt. William N. Russell, first sergeant, 95th Mission Support Group. "It gets their feet wet to see if it is something they would enjoy doing. However, the majority of training for a first sergeant comes on the job."

The call for attendees went out to area command chiefs who connected their members with the Edwards First Sergeant's Council for registration. There were no prerequisites for being selected. The home units funded the temporary duty assignment and requested the slot for members to be trained as additional duty first sergeants.

"I hope those who attend will have a better understanding and appreciation for what first sergeants do for our Airmen, families, and the overall mission. I hope we recruit outstanding senior non-commissioned officers to volunteer and make that choice to become a shirt," said Master Sgt. Russell.

"Many have heard the phrase, 'Our job is people, everyone is our business,' but truly a first sergeant's passion is helping out his people, both Airmen and their families."

Russell says the first sergeant position provides critical help for commanders, especially with enlisted personnel issues.

"We advise on issues affecting the health, morale, and welfare of the enlisted force," said Russell. "We ensure a mission-ready unit, ready to deploy, and ensure accountability for our folks."

Russell said the first sergeant is also viewed as a disciplinarian for the unit. It is a sometimes undesirable but critical part of the job.

"I would have to say this part of the job is the worst part, but is vital in keeping good order and discipline within our units. Furthermore, I would say the accountability lies on the individual who committed the offense, infraction, or crime."

The first sergeant seminar is taught by a traveling instructor from the U.S. Air Force First Sergeant Academy at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Ala. The one-week course is a precursor to the three-week course full-fledged diamond wearers must attend. During the instruction, attendees learn more about a shirt's perspective on personnel products, death and command responsibility, counseling, preventative discipline, and nonjudicial punishment. For their time, attendees earn two credit hours from Air Education and Training Command toward their continuing education.

More information on the First Sergeants Academy at Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala., visit http://www.au.af.mil/au/barnes/fsa/ online or through the Air Force Portal. Additional information about requirements and expectations of the first sergeant position can be found in Air Force Instruction 36-2113 or by discussing the position with a current first sergeant.