Diamonds are an Airman's best resource

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  This story is the third and final article in a series over special duty assignments.

An Airman who wears a diamond on their sleeve is noticed as many things, a leader, a standard enforcer, a role model of military conduct and most importantly, a first sergeant. 

When asked what their job is a first sergeant would simply reply, "my job is people." The First Sergeant Creed states, "Everyone is my business. I dedicate my time and energy to their needs, health, morale, discipline and welfare. The Air Force is my life, I share it with my people." 

By taking on this special duty, a sergeant not only provides help to the enlisted core, they also are a spokesperson between commanders and on-and-off-base agencies, the first sergeant is also a spokesperson for enlisted personnel. 

The journey to become a first sergeant starts by talking to your first sergeant. 

For individuals who are interested in becoming a first sergeant, Master Sgt. Derrick Grames, 2d Munitions Squadron first sergeant gives the following advice. 

"Contact your first sergeant first," he said. "You may end up shadowing a shirt in a squadron, and can determine if you think being a first sergeant is good for you, or if it's not for you after being exposed to it." 

To apply for this special duty job, a package must be submitted, which can include letters of recommendations from commanders, five previous enlisted performance reports and a letter stating you are able to speak clearly. Once the package is accepted, the individual reports to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., to attend the First Sergeant Academy. 

"The academy is important because it teaches us what agencies are there and available to us to point people in right direction," said Sergeant Grames. "We also get some exposure to what we deal with on a day-to-day basis as well as a brief synopsis of what may come across your desk." 

The first sergeant is responsible for the care, wellbeing, spirit and discipline of Airmen whom they are responsible. They are able to impact an Airman's career both positively and negatively. 

Although the job of the first sergeant can be broken-down into several categories - recognition, discipline and information dissemination are the most prominent. 

"I prefer to focus efforts on recognition," added Senior Master Sergeant Cindy Riley, 8th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) first sergeant. "When Airmen think of going to see their first shirt, there is always a negative connotation and they need to know that is not always the case. "Although we are part of the discipline process, our job has many positive aspects like getting to go to award and graduation functions for our Airmen," she said. "I will be out there cheering for people, shaking their hands at reenlistments or taking part in someone's promotion - it's an awesome feeling to be there for your Airmen and acknowledge their accomplishments." 

Since first sergeants are heavily involved with base activities, opportunities to meet base personnel are plentiful. They are able to interact with not only individuals who they are helping, but also leadership, which many consider to be benefits to the job. 

"The benefits always outweigh the job especially with the more people you get to know," said Sergeant Riley. "The important thing to remember about being a first sergeant is I don't take home work issues or problems, I don't wear it on my shoulder, I don't get emotionally attached to the issues, so by doing that I am able to just do my job and love what I do." 

Since a first sergeant is the go-to person when Airmen have problems that can't be solved or when leadership needs information on their troops, they must be reachable at all times. When situations like that arise, it is imperative that the first sergeant has their work phone on them at anytime of the day. 

"Our duty hours in the office usually are from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., however we are on-duty 24-7," said Sergeant Riley. "Anything can happen within those 24 hours so we keep our government cell phones on us at all times, we must be reachable in order to be accountable. You never know what is going to be on the other end of that phone call." 

Whether the phone call is an emergency, another first sergeant or just to pass along information, the duty of the first sergeant is to ensure the correct actions are taken and the proper information is disseminated to individuals. 

Although the role of the first sergeant is vital to enlisted Airmen, the non-commissioned officers sacrifice a lot to wear the diamond on their sleeves. One of the most prized is time. 

"Time, time, time," said Sergeant Riley. "When you take on this job, your time is no longer yours and personal time no longer belongs to you. Airmen pop up with issues anytime of the day or night and it is our responsibility to act on it no matter when the call comes in." 

Sergeant Grames agrees and recalls an incident where he sacrificed his time with his family to provide assistance to an individual in need. 

"I had an Airman whose father was dying," said Sergeant Grames. "She was trying to out-process by herself and was completely overwhelmed and afraid she wouldn't make it back to the states in time to say her goodbyes to her dad. I caught wind of her situation, stopped what I was doing and was able to jump in and help her out - I was able to get done in three hours what took her an entire day. We got her out-processed, plane tickets in hand and ready to go. Because I was able to help her as her first sergeant, she made it home to be with her father three days before he passed away. Times like that make this job all worthwhile." 

As with other jobs, the benefits of being a first sergeant greatly outweigh the less desirable aspects of being the job. 

"I have one of the best jobs in the Air Force," said Sergeant Riley. "I am able to associate with people, not just the ones I'm helping, but also leadership and I get to stay in-the-know. Being a first sergeant allows me to interact with people I otherwise may not have had the chance to and I really enjoy the amount of interaction I am able to have with individuals. It never matters how many long hours I put in - helping someone out and seeing their smile makes it all worth it." 

For more information on become a first sergeant, contact your squadron's first sergeant.