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

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

3. 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

4. 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”

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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’

17. Questions?