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AF recruits first sergeants

By Airman 1st Class Nigel R. Sims, 460th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published March 09, 2011

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.-- Senior Master Sgt. Ernest Nielsen and Airman 1st Class James Crawley shake hands after a game of pool Nov 25. Buckley's 5/6 Council hosted this year's Thanksgiving dinner at the dorms. ( U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Marcy Glass )
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BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.-- Senior Master Sgt. Ernest Nielsen, first sergant and Airman 1st Class James Crawley shake hands after a game of pool Nov 25. Spending time with Airmen is one of many things Air Force First Sergeants do to ensure thier people are taken care of. ( U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Marcy Glass )

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BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- In today's Air Force taking care of Airmen is the responsibility of everyone in leadership and supervisory positions. But, for a specific group of senior non-commissioned officers, this select mission is their primary job.

"The Air Force is always looking for master sergeants or master sergeant selects who are highly motivated and want to make a difference in their fellow wingman's lives," said Senior Master Sgt. John Ross, 566th Intelligence Squadron First Sergeant

"First sergeants are responsible for a wide range of tasks such as mentoring, disciplining, and the professional development of all enlisted members assigned to them," said Sergeant Ross.

A first sergeant is on-call 24 hours-a-day; however their duty hours fluctuate depending on the unit and personnel.

The irregular work days can sometimes be challenging, but first sergeants know that without their dedication and sacrifice, today's Airmen will not be able to reach their full potential or be at their best when the Air Force needs them the most.

Air Force Regulation 36-2113 outlines the process to become a first sergeant. This is the basic criterion that needs to be completed to join the first sergeant ranks:
· Passing score on annual fitness test
· No negative quality force indicators
· Be the rank of E-7 upon attendance of First Sergeant Academy
· Complete Senior NCO Academy by correspondence or in-residence
· Have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively

"What attracted me was the opportunity to guide and mentor our Airmen for the future of our Air Force," said Master Sgt. Juan Silva, 460th Space Wing Command Post, Acting First Sergeant.

This special duty is also deployable and their taskings are on par with most Air Force specialties across the service.

For more information on becoming a first sergeant, interested members are encouraged to talk to their current first sergeants who can answer their basic questions about the career field. After a member decides on applying for this special duty, they should schedule a face-to-face meeting with their command chief master sergeant who will determine their eligibility and fitness
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