1. 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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

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

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