Tennessee ANG conducts state's first ever First Sergeant Symposium

Photo By Master Sgt. Robin Brown | Tennessee Air National Guard first sergeants conducted a breakout session March 4 as part of the state's first ever First Sergeant Symposium, which took place March 3-4, 2015. During the session, first sergeants from across the state discussed how each handled different areas of the first sergeant duty, such as family care plans, the first sergeant council and Airmen Comprehensive Assessment. They compared best practices among the three Wings and two geographically separated units located across the state. "First sergeants are tasked with advising their commanders on a wide range of personnel matters, along with being knowledgeable about resources for taking care of Airmen and their families," said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Smith, first sergeant for the 164th Airlift Wing in Memphis, Tenn., who organized the symposium. "The symposium keeps the first sergeants up to date on changes that have been made to programs and processes we provide to our units and our Airmen." (US Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Robin Olsen/Released.)  

NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES

03.18.2015

Story by Master Sgt. Robin Brown 

Tennessee National Guard Public Affairs Office

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Air National Guard first sergeants from across the state gathered March 3-4 at the 118th Wing in Nashville, Tenn., for the state's first ever Air National Guard First Sergeant Symposium. The active duty Air Force has held these symposiums for years, bringing in first sergeants from around the world, even from other countries; however, this is a first for the Tennessee National Guard.

"We began discussing putting together a state-wide symposium in September 2014," said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Smith, first sergeant for the 164th Airlift Wing in Memphis, Tenn., who organized and facilitated the symposium. "We quickly decided what topics we wanted to discuss, but the biggest part was scheduling a time that all three wings could accommodate."

Shortly after Smith became a first sergeant, he viewed an annual broadcast from the Air National Guard Training and Education Center that featured information and briefings from Air National Guard leadership. "I learned the importance of sharing information with my fellow first sergeants from watching this broadcast," he said. In January of 2014, Smith held a symposium for the first sergeant council of the 164th Airlift Wing. Later that year, he began coordinating all the Wings in Tennessee to share the same experience.

"I am excited with the direction the first sergeants are headed, and we have a great, diverse group," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Mark Harris, command chief of the 118th Wing. "I look forward to expanding the symposium next year with more table top discussions that get real issues out in the open."

The purpose of the symposium was to continue education and training for first sergeants and additional duty first sergeants from Tennessee's three wings and two geographically separated units across the state. An additional duty first sergeant is one who hasn't been to the formal First Sergeant Academy and does not wear the diamond device; yet, they assist in performing the duties of a traditional first sergeant.

"First sergeants are tasked with advising their commanders on a wide range of personnel matters, along with being knowledgeable about resources for taking care of Airmen and their families," said Smith.

"The symposium keeps the first sergeants up to date on changes made to programs and processes we provide to our units and our Airmen," he said. "It gives us time to collaborate and grow our wing council relationships outside the normal setting on drill weekends." Without the symposium, the only formal training first sergeants receive is the First Sergeant Academy that all must graduate in order to attain the diamond on their rank insignia.

"Our newly revised Air Force regulation for first sergeants, Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2113, specifies a number of continuing education hours that we need to receive and the 2015 symposium satisfies that requirement," added Smith. "The symposium also enhances communication between the Tennessee Air National Guard first sergeants and enables a better flow of communication between wings in the state."

First sergeants are traditionally responsible for relaying the commander's messages and voicing concerns of the Airmen below the commander, as well as being the 24/7 "go to" person for all Airmen concerns.

"Our Airmen thirst for leadership. Nothing influences our lives and military career more than a first sergeant," said Maj. Gen. Terry "Max" Haston, the adjutant general for Tennessee, whose father was a first sergeant in the Army. "Those you lead emulate what you do. Somebody is taking notes today, watching what you do; you are a role model."

"First sergeants are the tie that binds; you relate to your Airmen," said Brig. Gen. Don Johnson, the assistant adjutant general for the Tennessee Air National Guard. "It doesn't matter who you work for, we all work for each other, and it is our obligation as leaders to provide you with the tools to be successful."

"You are the balance between the commander and the Airmen. Ensure the process is consistent and fair," Chief Master Sgt. Dan Mitchell, the first sergeant functional manager at National Guard Bureau said. "Your lane is to take care of the enlisted force and your commander."

Attendees got the opportunity to hear from various other leaders across the state, including Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Scott, the senior enlisted leader for the Tennessee National Guard, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Wade Hudson, the command chief of the Tennessee Air National Guard. "No matter who is who, even Army, a first sergeant is a first sergeant and people are your business," said Hudson.

"If anything happens regarding an Airman, your first sergeant should be the first person you call," echoed Harris, emphasizing the role of a first sergeant and the position's importance.

Col. Keith Allbritten, the vice commander of the 118th Wing, presented his expectations of a first sergeant. Among these were: be the one with the answers, the person others can go to; bring a notebook and take notes; be the commanders eyes and ears; and don't be a "yes" man, be proactive and take initiative.

The first sergeants gathered in breakout sessions to work in partnership and communicate what worked well and what needed improvement in various areas of concern.

"As we covered programs that impact all of our units, it was insightful to learn that other first sergeants face similar obstacles as well as hearing about some of the wonderful tools and practices units have developed to handle the tasks and needs of their units," said Smith. Some of the topics covered included family care plans, the Airman Comprehensive Assessment, professional organizations and development within the National Guard.

The weather forced the symposium to end a day earlier than planned. Despite this, the event was still a success overall.

"It exceeded my expectations. The opportunity to meet and share experiences with other first sergeants was the most beneficial aspect of the symposium," said Master Sgt. Scott Prichard, 134th Medical Group first sergeant in Knoxville, Tenn. "It was a great learning tool to gain insight into how other first sergeants deal with issues that affect our Airmen."

He added, "being a first sergeant is an honor. The opportunity to give back to the Air National Guard by assisting Airmen with their professional and personal issues is a very rewarding responsibility."

"First sergeants live to serve others. It was a wonderful experience being part of this gathering of servant leaders," said Smith. "I believe this event was something beneficial, in both satisfying our continuing education as well as building a strong network of resources to better assist our Airmen and commanders."

• Date Taken: 03.18.2015
• Date Posted: 03.18.2015 14:09
• Story ID: 157382
• Location: NASHVILLE, TN, US