Laughlin hosts first shirt seminar

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Peter Borys
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  About 75 Air Force NCOs from bases around the country gathered here October 3 through 7 for a First Sergeant Seminar to learn the basic foundations of first sergeant duties.
These NCOs are not actual diamond-wearing first sergeants, but individuals appointed to be acting first sergeants during a unit's first sergeants absence.
"We do about 14 to 18 of these seminars a year," said Senior Master Sgt. David Scott, director of operations and an instructor at the USAF First Sergeants Academy. "We call them road shows. What we hope the students will get out of this is to be able to pick up the phone and relieve the first sergeant. If they go on leave or TDY, the commander will still have a knowledgeable person to advise them."
The one-week course is not required for those wishing to become a first sergeant. However, the instructors advise people to take it because the seminar gives them a lot of information from real-life scenarios and legal advice as to what a first sergeant takes care of.
"This is one of the hardest jobs in the Air Force, but the most rewarding," said Master Sgt. Jennifer Hellwig, an instructor at the academy. "Sometimes it is more than they can possibly handle and we want to prep them. We want to give them as much knowledge possible before they make that decision."
A first sergeants role is to advise the commander on a wide range of topics including the health, esprit de corps, discipline, mentoring, well being, career progression, professional development, and recognition of all assigned enlisted members in the squadron.
"We've gained general knowledge of what it is like to be a first sergeant, what to expect, how to deal with any issues that may come up and how to help your Airmen and NCOs who are underneath you," said Master Sgt. Thomas O'Connor, 77th Weapons Squadron superintendent.
Laughlin was able to host the seminar and save money for many of the units by having the instructors come here.
"I have had numerous positive comments on Laughlin Airmen and their professionalism. We had an opportunity to share with the rest of the Air Force that we take our mission at Laughlin very seriously and we proved that to the participants who visited this week," said Chief Master Sgt. Ray DeVite, 47th Flying Training Wing command chief.
Individuals aspiring to become a first sergeant need to attend the three-week course at the First Sergeant Academy.