Role of the First Sergeant C/Col. John S. Gomez-Simmons SNCOA Spring 2013

Overview “History of the First Shirt” Knowledge Relationship with junior cadets Relationships with NCOs Relations with Officers The First Sergeant’s Creed

History of the First Sergeant Originated in this country because of Prussia (the Feldwebel) Oversaw all of the other NCOs Was the head NCO Trained other NCOs in leadership Reported on progress to Commander Ensured that all soldiers were in their bunks at the end of the Day. Reported back to the commander on information/performance of other NCOs

History of the First Sergeant (continued) Was adopted into the US military in the American Revolution Von Steuben aided George Washington in creating a chain-of-command The Feldwebel soon became the First Sergeant Later became known in the USAF as “First Shirt”

Knowledge The First Sergeant must have great knowledge of regulations, manuals, parades, awards and decorations, cadet protection policy, etc Index 0 – 2 List of all current regulations used by CAP Easy way to find important regulation that you should become familiar with Must be an NCO with the competence, self-assurance, and leadership ability as an officer The First Sergeant is the very best NCO from a unit Must have confidence in himself because he is being trusted with a great responsibility

Relationship with Cadet Corps You are the most important person they will look up to They shouldn’t fear you, but should fear letting you down You should know each cadet personally Every time they see you, you should still be holding yourself to the high standards of the First Sergeant

“Authority” What does this word truly mean? How does it apply to leadership?

Relationship with NCOs Trains Flight Sergeants (with Flight Commander) Motivation Monitors Progress Discipline Remember that the only reason they are in CAP is that they volunteer If you are not fair in dealing with your subordinates, you can not gain their respect The only true authority you have depends on respect Overly Mean vs. Situational Leadership

The NCO Support Channel What do YOU think it is???

NCO Support Channel Purpose is to make the chain of command work Consists of the First Sergeant, Flight Sergeant, and each Element Leader. They pass information among themselves to take care of things which would otherwise be a distraction to cadet officers.

The NCO Support Channel The First Sergeant, and not the cadet commander, is the head of this channel. It gives the “First Shirt” a chance to practice a very important aspect of leadership: foresight

Relationship with Officers Cadet Commander You are his eyes and ears – his most trusted NCO Keep him informed of all information You report directly to the cadet commander You recommend airmen/NCOs for staff positions Remember, the Squadron Commander has the final say in all cadet staff positions

Example Tasks the C/CC May Assign to You Assist in deciding Flight Sergeant Candidates Creating Inspection Sheets Teaching Classes on Physical Training Being the “Counselor” for prospective cadets Making motivational chants for the squadron

Relationship with Officers (continued) Leadership Officer Keep him informed as you would the cadet commander Has the experience and professionalism to help Flight Commander Must work with this person to train the flight sergeant Neither is truly higher than the other

Relationship with Officers (continued) The Officer Corps Respect is due by both The First Sergeant works directly for the cadet commander The First Sergeant is not an officer, and must still have respect for the hard work of the officer corps

USAF First Sergeant’s 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’

Questions?