Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Caya | Command Chief Master Sgt. Travon Dennis, Fourth Air Force Command Chief, addresses...... read more read more
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The U.S. Air Force Reserve is sharpening its focus on lethality and readiness, with First Sergeants playing a pivotal role in preparing Airmen for the challenges of modern warfare. At a recent First Sergeant symposium hosted by NFARS, more than 50 senior non-commissioned officers gathered to hone their leadership skills and align with the Air Force’s mission to maximize combat effectiveness.
Chief Master Sgt. Travon Dennis, 4th Air Force Command Chief, emphasized the critical role First Sergeants play in fostering disciplined, mission-ready Airmen. “You can’t do this job if you truly don’t care about people, but you also need to care about the mission,” Dennis said. “If you’re dedicated, disciplined, and are committed to development, you will have a long, lasting legacy.”
The symposium, attended by representatives from eight Air Force Reserve Command organizations, included master sergeants, technical sergeants serving as additional duty First Sergeants, and those preparing for the role. Dennis, a former First Sergeant and AFRC Command First Sergeant, underscored the importance of continuous development. “For the 50-plus individuals in this room, they’re here because they want to sharpen their skills,” he said. “Development is vital for adaptability in the next fight, our goal is to push these participants out of their comfort zone.”
First Sergeants, strategically are aligned within the leadership triad alongside commanders and chiefs, and serve as key advisors and deploy globally, making their role essential to mission success. “These individuals work hand-in-hand with leadership,” said Dennis. “They’re vital to readiness and ensuring our Airmen are prepared for the fight.”
Master Sgt. Saradane Blair-Young, First Sergeant for the 514th Security Forces Squadron, echoed the need for discipline and accountability to build lethal Airmen. “You joined the military. It’s not a club. It’s not a job. Our (mission) is to kill the bad guys.”
Attached to a security forces unit, Blair-Young stressed the importance of training that becomes “robotic” through repetition. “You train as you fight. For security forces, you have to trust the person next to you. That comes from training, repetition, and trust,” she added.
Blair-Young, who participates in her unit’s exercises, believes leading by example builds trust and readiness. “My job is to support and mentally prepare you for the fight,” she said. “I’m in the trenches with them. I know what they’re going through. If they need to take a knee, I’m there to support them.”
The symposium provided a platform for networking and sharing best practices. Blair-Young highlighted its value: “You get to have conversations with like-minded individuals and see you’re not the only one dealing with a situation. It’s a kindred spirit environment.”
Dennis praised the event’s impactful syllabus and guest speakers, encouraging cross-organizational learning and shadowing to broaden perspectives. “First Sergeants are uniquely different,” he said. “We take members from one career field, place them in a new unit, and they learn a new skill set. Those skills propel them to the next level.”
As the Air Force adapts to evolving global threats, Dennis urged First Sergeants to remain flexible and connected. “The domain is going to change,” he said. “We have to shift our mindset on how we train to lead the charge in adaptability and readiness.”
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2025 15:19 |
| Story ID: | 500409 |
| Location: | NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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