MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Team Moody held a First Sergeant Symposium Oct. 4-8, 2021, to provide insight to a select group of non-commissioned officers on the roles of the first sergeant duty position.
Throughout the week, attendees participated in scenarios to learn how to utilize and employ resources dealing with topics such as maintenance of discipline, counseling and confrontation, self-care, command responsibility, mental health and more.
“The job of a first sergeant is to be the liaison between the enlisted force and the commander,” said Master Sgt. Tommy Beers, 41st Rescue Squadron first sergeant. “I’d advise anyone hoping to become a first sergeant to always ask questions. Using whatever resource, your job is to help people on their worst day and best day.”
The symposium gave attendees the opportunity to discover what it takes to be a first sergeant and what agencies are available to support Moody members.
This event is designed to prepare potential first sergeants and additional-duty first sergeants to temporarily or completely fill the role of their respective shirt.
“They need to rotate the (first sergeant duty) phone every other week,” said Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Andrews, 93rd Air Ground Operation Wing command chief, “and they’re waiting on some motivated superstar to ask (for the phone). I guarantee they’ll say yes. So, take the knowledge that you’re getting here and figure out how to apply it.”
Additionally, this allows prospective first sergeants to learn what the role entails before officially applying for the duty position. Knowing how to handle each situation — or knowing where to go to get help — is vital for all those who fill the role of a first sergeant.
“This is one of the most important events we do all year,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jimmy Wilfong, 23rd Wing command chief. “This is a great senior (non-commissioned officer) course, and you’re going to get a lot of value out of this that you can use in your everyday life, and as a supervisor. “
The next first sergeant symposium will be in the spring of 2022, and interested members can contact their first sergeant for more details.