First sergeant: the easiest job in the Air Force

Have I worn the diamond? No. Have I received the training and performed the role of the first sergeant? Yes. It is based on these experiences that I will use to present a clarification of the title of this article.

What is the role of the first sergeant? You can look in AFI 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure, for an overview or review AFI 36-2113, The First Sergeant, for more detailed information. You will find that first sergeants provide a dedicated focal point for all readiness, health, morale, welfare and quality of life issues within their organizations. They advise commanders, command chiefs and other enlisted Airmen on morale, discipline, mentoring, well-being, recognition and the professional development of enlisted Airmen. They ensure the enlisted force understands the commanders’ policies, goals and objectives. I know you have all heard or seen this before.

However, the first sergeant cannot perform all these duties alone. When first sergeants are used as an “easy button” by supervisors, the unit’s discipline and accountability suffer because the lack of ownership in leading people. Supervisors, not just first sergeants, play a key role in maintaining discipline and accountability to ensure the mission success of the unit. The first sergeant is a focal point, not the first line of defense on issues.

Here is what we often forget: First sergeants work with fellow NCOs and supervisors to ensure equitable and effective discipline and the highest level of esprit de corps. Stop relying on the first sergeant to address your every concern with Airmen. Start first with you — and do some research. Get the first sergeant involved when you, as the supervisor, have exhausted your knowledge and resources to ensure readiness, health, morale, welfare and quality of life issues for the Airmen you supervise. However, know there are some issues you immediately take to your first sergeant, such as illegal activities, UCMJ violations or anything potentially causing harm to self or others.  

If every leader took appropriate actions to engage directly with their Airmen, the first sergeant would have one of the easiest jobs in the Air Force. When a supervisor reaches out to their subordinates and their families, researches resources for information, shares their experiences with other supervisors, and recommends solutions, the supervisor is now working with the first sergeant instead of relying on the first sergeant as an “easy button” to fix the issue. You already have the tools and resources to resolve most personnel issues at your level, so use them.

OK, being a first sergeant may not be the easiest job in the Air Force, but engaged supervisors expand the first sergeant’s ability to enhance mission effectiveness with all Airmen in the organization. Learning skills and resources prepares the front-line supervisors of today to be first sergeants or the chiefs of tomorrow by being the visible leaders of our next generation of Airmen.