F.E. Warren Air Force Base -- A First Sergeant Additional Duty Symposium was held at F.E. Warren Air Force Base Oct. 23-26, to educate NCOs and SNCOs on the roles and responsibilities of a first sergeant.
The four-day event encompassed lectures from various speakers, including Chief Master Sgt. Charles Lane, Air Force Global Strike Command first sergeant, and Chief Master Sgt. Manuel Pineiro, first sergeant special duty manager from the Pentagon.
First sergeants hold a critical role within the Air Force to look after the morale, welfare, and conduct of Airmen and their families.
“My goal as a first sergeant is to make people smile,” said Master Sgt. Thee Thorpe, 90th Medical Group first sergeant. “I want to ensure people are happy, because if you are happy, you are going to do your job better.”
Before walking into the course there was a stigma that first sergeants were only good for discipline, but throughout the week the participants had the opportunity to interact with a panel of first sergeants, commanders and other Airmen to ease the stigma. The responsibilities of first sergeant became clear.
“When someone says first sergeant, the first thing they think of is trouble, and that is not the case,” said Thorpe. “First sergeants are not only there for discipline; we are here for whatever needs you have. When life happens, first sergeants are here for you. We are your friend.”
Lane also emphasized networking with the Airmen in each unit.
“One of the main aspects of a good first sergeant is networking,” said Lane. “If you know the Airmen around you, no one will feel left behind. Find me one Airman that doesn’t get to be the face of their unit. Get to know that Airman and encourage them to be proud of their job.”
The four-day event was finished off with a Q & A session between the participants and Chief Master Sgt. Lane. The information provided guidance for the NCOs and SNCOs to take back to their unit while working as an additional duty first sergeant.
“After finishing the course, I hope everyone participating wants to become a first sergeant,” said Lane. “However, I know this is not everyone’s dream job, but it is the best job I ever had.”
To find out more about the role of a first sergeant and how they can help you, talk to your unit’s first sergeant.