First-ever Additional Duty First Sergeants Seminar focuses on shirt responsibilities

  • Published
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  For the first time ever, an Additional Duty First Sergeants Seminar was held here focusing on educating 32 members on the art of filling the role of a first sergeant.

Held during the August Unit Training Assembly, the training covered Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 15 processes, Counseling techniques and overall 'shirt' responsibilities.

Feedback about the Professional Military Education training was positive, and leadership here is already working to put together more training opportunities.

"The training was geared to the E-6 and E-7 level and they enjoyed the course," said Master Sgt. Marvyn Mulcahy, the 495th Fighter Group active duty first sergeant. "Some people thought they learned more at this PME (seminar) than any other they attend in the past."

Recognizing the need for Professional Development Courses, the First Sergeant Council and Chief Master Sgt. Katdo Robinson, the 482nd Fighter Wing command chief, worked to expand opportunities for people to attend training.

"This training afforded some of our junior enlisted members a more strategic view of organizational issues and equipped them with the tools to be better supervisors -- even if they never wear the diamond," said Robinson. "Having additional duty first sergeants allows our sitting first sergeants the opportunity to have more one on one time with troops instead of constantly being tied down with administrative tasks."

Robinson stated his greatest take away from the training was positive feedback from each attendee and their commitment to take what they had learned back to their respective organizations with the intent to make positive impacts.

While being a first sergeant can be a challenging job, it also comes with rewards, said Mulcahy. First sergeants are always on call to help when an Airman is in need.

Additional course dates will be announced on the base website and unit Facebook page once finalized.