Want to be a first sergeant? McConnell offers how-to class

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  If wearing a diamond on your sleeve feels like a future calling in your career, then the Additional Duty First Sergeant Seminar might be for you. 

McConnell First Sergeant's Council is hosting the seminar, scheduled Sept. 23 to 25, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Robert J. Dole Center, in the education wing, Room 2. 

"Attendees will learn the proper tools and resources available to advise commanders on the health, morale and welfare of assigned members in their units," said Senior Master Sgt. Derick Clark, president of the First Sergeants Council. 

As first sergeant for the 22nd Maintenance Squadron, Sergeant Clark said the special duty is 87 percent manned and needs motivated, professional senior non-commissioned officers willing to accept a cumulative amount of important responsibilities. 

First Sergeants are on-call 24 hours a day and work irregular hours, the sergeant said. 

Those attending the course will learn how first sergeants advise commanders about enlisted issues health, mentoring, morale, discipline and recognition. 

Master Sgt. Jason Nystrom, 22nd Force Support Squadron first sergeant, will be one of McConnell's "shirts" to offer insight during the seminar.

Sergeant Nystrom, who has worn a diamond for two years, said holding a first sergeant position forces Airmen to step out of their comfort zones and work with people on personal problems. Being a shirt allows a person to have a voice and affect change within his or her unit and sometimes the wing.

"In the end, you will come out with a better insight of what is really going on in the minds of the Airmen in your unit, a better understanding of the mission and be a better equipped senior NCO," Sergeant Nystrom said.

Airmen who think their current Air Force specialty code may not provide them with the experience to take on the job shouldn't be discouraged from attending the seminar and considering the position. 

Sergeant Clark said all senior NCOs are good candidates because they get the same professional development through military education and experience.

Formal training for first sergeants is at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Ala. 

"No particular AFSC will ever completely prepare you to perform the duties as a first sergeant, said Sergeant Nystrom. "The experience as first sergeant is priceless." 

Airmen interested in the job can also ask to fill a shirt's shoes for a day to see what the duty is really like.

"For anyone interested in becoming a first sergeant, I strongly recommend attending the seminar and shadowing a first sergeant for a week before jumping into it" said Sergeant Nystrom. "This career field is not for everyone, but shadowing or holding the phone for a week will give you a good idea of what you're in for."