The Finer Points of the First Shirt “The first sgt is expected to be a master trainer, a great motivator, a fair referee, a just disciplinarian, and an aide-de-camp to the cadet commander.” Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor The USAF 1st Sgt Creed My Job is people—Every ONE is my Business. I dedicate my time and energy to their needs; their health, morale, discipline, and welfare. I grow in strength by strengthening my people. My job is done in faith; My people build my faith. The Air Force is my life; I share it with my people. I believe in the Air Force Goal— ‘We Take Care of Our Own’ Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor Opinions? First Sergeant: Time for your opinions! Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor Relationships Cadet Programs Officers Cadet Commander NCO Corps Cadet Corps Some Nuts and Bolts Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Your Relationship with Cadet Programs Officers Leadership Officer Provides Guidance Keep Him/Her informed as you would the C/CC. Talk to them about difficulties/frustrations. Deputy CC for Cadets Should Want you around for discussions. (If Not, Ask to be) Keep informed as you would C/CC Should let you know about anything that affects you or those under your command Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Your Relationship with the Cadet Commander Single most Important Person you work with Your one and only boss You are his right hand Excellent working relationship You should know the Cadets best You are also responsible for recommending Flight Sgts Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

First Sergeant: What A Commander IS looking for The best NCO in the Squadron Strong Leader and follower Leads By Example Competence Teacher and mentor Good Communicator Dedication Loyalty Attention to Detail A Servants Heart Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

First Sergeant: What A Commander is NOT looking for Does NOT Listen Does NOT Inform Does NOT Support Does NOT Lead by Example Does NOT hold his people accountable Does NOT ride the position Does NOT put the needs of the team first Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Developing A Relationship with your Commander Command Philosophy Standards, goals and objectives Expectations Communication Labor & Responsibilities Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Your Relationship with the Cadet NCO Corps Professional development Teaching opportunities Drilling experience Professionalism Spend Time with your NCOs Informed Loyalty and respect Individual attention Camaraderie “Don’t let your NCOs get too big of a head!” Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Key to being an EFFECTIVE First Shirt Be a servant leader This is important because of your direct interaction with basic cadets You must show them you have their back You must be able to persuade them to climb the ladder What is in it for them Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Your Relationship with the Cadet Corps You are all things to them Daily existence and intensity Remember, the only hold you have on them is their desire to participate in the program Fear of crossing you, but not fear of approaching you Discourage “Buddy” relationships with NCOs Encourage Team Work Know your peoples’ needs Foster compromise between NCOs and your Cadets Know your Cadets Personally Be a just disciplinarian Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor Nuts and Bolts Maintain Standard of Appearance and Discipline Point out discrepancies immediately Don’t let your cadets and NCOs “Slide” Enforce Customs & Courtesies Working knowledge of CAP paperwork Physical Training Ensure the Squadron Area is in good condition Delegate Authority. Don’t micromanage. DON’T WASTE TIME!!! Be Prepared Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Your Duties as the First Sergeant What CAPM 20-1 Has to say Supervisory, Managerial, and Administrative functions Personnel Guidance For Cadets Inspection and Correction of Deficiencies Preparation of Rosters Counseling Cadets concerning the CAP Cadet Program Related Duties as required (anything else the C/CC says) Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Your Duties as the First Sergeant What CAPP 52-15 Has to say Lead Cadets in PT Lead Cadets in Drill and Ceremonies Safeguard CAP Facilities & Property Participate in Inspections Keep Cadets Safe

Continued… Counsel Cadets Train Cadets in the Basics of Cadet Life Provide Personnel & Administrative Support Pass-On Information Support the Commander

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor Discipline Your responsibility Keep CPP (Cadet Protection Policy) in mind Make nuisance of yourself 1. Verbal correction is always the first thing (Be stern, not mean) 2. Extra Military Instruction 3. Administrative Action Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor Your Behavior Be yourself, but be consistent Your attitude and abilities should be above reproach Don’t let your cadets forget you’re the top. Be subtle Proceed at the rear of the formation Maintain a strong but cordial relationship with them Unless your help is needed, you should direct and not assist in work details Your cadets see EVERYTHING you do Remember, Cadets look up to you Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor Your Behavior Maintain the best uniform and bearing in the squadron Don’t fraternize with anyone, you have a job to do focus on that. Insist on being called First Sergeant. You have earned it. Be ABOVE Reproach Be PROFESSIONAL! Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Preparing for the Future Study for Mitchell Award exam. Lead by example. Keep progressing rapidly in the Cadet Program. Think about your own performance as a leader .What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Lead yourself by taking charge of your own leadership development. Hone your delegation skills. To succeed as first sergeant, you must gain the support of your flight sergeants. As you advance in CAP, delegation skills will become even more vital

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor And Finally… Being the 1st Sgt. Is one of the most rewarding, and demanding position that the CAP Cadet Program has to offer. They best advice I can offer you is… Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor Rise To The Challenge Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor

Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor QUESTIONS? Jesse Carr, C/Capt, SNCOA Lead Instructor