First sergeants play key leadership role Published July 23, 2008 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- You've heard it before, and it's true; our enlisted force is the best in the world and the envy of Air Forces around the globe. Over the years, through education, experience and leadership training, we've developed strong and highly effective leaders. Our first sergeants are at the tip of the spear in terms of providing the leadership that will inevitably cause our enlisted force to maintain our edge. Before I continue please understand I am not saying the leadership and mentoring our officer corps, senior noncommissioned officer corps and NCO corps exhibit daily is not important; on the contrary they are extremely important. However, the first sergeant position is a critical leadership position that is directly tied to the morale, health, and welfare, esprit de corps and success of an organization. Throughout our history, first sergeants have enforced standards, maintained good order and discipline, and given great care to our Airmen. This holds true today; but the perception of our first sergeants have dramatically changed since my inception into the Air Force. Today, our first sergeants are coaches, confidants, mentors and much more; engaged daily with our Airmen, front-line supervisors and SNCOs caring for and developing our Airmen. Contrary, to when I first entered the Air Force, the only time I was summoned to my first sergeant's office or if he even spoke to me was if I was in trouble. Little did I know then, administering discipline is a very small part of the duties of a first sergeant and it's the part they don't enjoy executing. I believe it takes a special kind of person to be great first sergeant. Team Travis is fortunate, we have great first sergeants. The career field is always looking for uniquely qualified master sergeants who are extremely motivated to make a difference. The requirements for this three-year minimum tour are a passing score on the fitness test; no negative quality force indicators, being an E-7 upon academy attendance, SNCO Academy completed by correspondence or in-residence; and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Selection and approval is required through the member's immediate chain of command as well as the wing commander and command chief master sergeant. Currently, the Air Force is in dire need of first sergeants; first sergeant manning is significantly deficient and hovering around 80 percent! Our previous chief master sergeant of the Air Force once said, "We would not allow our squadrons to go without a commander and we should not allow our squadrons to go without a first sergeant!" By no means were he inferring that a squadron commander and a first sergeant are equal ... they are a team, a partnership, an alliance, united to ensure mission success and good order and discipline. This is a key leadership position in an organization and it should not go unfilled - the morale, welfare and health of our Airmen is at stake. Shirts thank you for all you do for our Airmen, their families and the many sacrifices you and your family make on our behalf. Team Travis, have a great weekend, be safe and make responsible choices ... see you around campus.