AF senior leaders focus on developing first sergeants

Published May 1, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Chyenne A. Adams
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Air Force senior leadership put the focus on developing first sergeants during a special week of training here April 24-27.

Air Force District of Washington officials hosted The Ultimate First Sergeant Experience, bringing together 118 technical and master sergeants from around the National Capital Region for four days of in-depth training.

Attendees discussed first sergeant roles, responsibilities and expectations, to include such topics as recognition and preventive discipline, family advocacy and mental health programs, security forces and investigative procedures, and the Air Force fitness program.

"Don't be nostalgic about how the Air Force was," said Maj. Gen. Darren McDew, AFDW commander, during opening comments in which he encouraged the prospective first sergeants to learn all they could during the seminar and consider applying for the special duty assignment. "Embrace what it needs to be, and step up and help us meet the needs of today's Air Force."
Recognizing the importance of this professional development, McDew brought in a surprise visitor to speak briefly with the group: Air Force Assistant Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, who served as AFDW commander from June 2007 to August 2008.

"Behind all the technology our Air Force is known for, we are a service that takes an exceptional amount of time to recognize that we are only as good as our people," Gorenc said. "The Air Force mission is a human endeavor, and first sergeants are critical to taking care of people and, therefore, the mission.

"I encourage each of you to think about your potential significant contribution as a first sergeant, and step up to the plate to strengthen our Air Force."

The group heard not only from top Air Force officers, but also had an opportunity to engage senior enlisted leadership from all the military services during a joint panel, as well as command chiefs from throughout the NCR.

"As you consider being first sergeants, understand why this opportunity is a unique one and more importantly that the Air Force needs proven leaders in these positions," said Chief Master Sgt. Eddie Webb, 89th Airlift Wing command chief, JBA.

"If you possess the capability to provide compassionate, fair, and sage guidance to our Airmen and to our commanders, the question should be - How can I not meet this need when I know I have what it takes? Where do I sign up?"

All the speakers stressed that commanders at all levels are held accountable for the impact of their decisions on people's lives, and most times it is the first sergeant who is responsible for properly advising that commander.

"Our goal is to...set people up for success," said Master Sgt. Keisha Montague, 32nd Intelligence Squadron first sergeant at Fort Meade, Md. "We affect a lot of people's lives and careers, and you have to take that very seriously. Your people are your focus, day in and day out."

Montague stressed the importance of leading by example, which many times can be the hardest part of "wearing the diamond and being instantly recognizable, and responsible, as a first sergeant - no matter what, when or where."

Being a first sergeant is all about helping Airmen, no matter what the issue, according to Master Sgt. Steve Preisch, 99th Airlift Squadron first sergeant here. Preisch was one of the newest first sergeants who spoke at the seminar, having graduated from the first sergeant academy in February.

"I became a first sergeant to help people," he said. "Airmen come into your office and, as a first sergeant, it is your responsibility to make it all about them -- to focus strictly on how you can help them solve their issues or develop themselves as an Airman.

"By the time they walk out of that office, you will have made an impact on them one way or the other. There is nothing more fulfilling than that. If you want the most challenging and rewarding job in the United States Air Force, become a first sergeant."

On the first day of the seminar, 17 participants raised their hand when asked if they wanted to be first sergeants. On the final day of the seminar, the same question was asked and 58 attendees raised their hands.

Chief Master Sgt. Kevin McCoy, 79th Medical Wing command chief here, addressed the group during closing comments and reminded them to embrace their role as leaders of Airmen.

"It is truly an honor and privilege for me to be among all of you," he said. "It is a humbling experience to be around so many true Air Force leaders and professionals."

Air Force Instruction 36-2113 contains eligibility criteria, and initial application and selection procedures, for anyone interested in applying for the special duty assignment of first sergeant.