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Team Shaw NCO's pursue 1st Shirt duties

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley L. Gardner
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Team Shaw NCO's gathered at the community activity center for the Shaw First Sergeant Additional Duty Seminar, Aug. 25-27.

The seminar was for technical and master sergeants interested in becoming a first sergeant or who are currently assigned first sergeant tasks as an additional duty.

While at the seminar, the 55 attendees learned duties associated with the job and received advice from current first sergeants on base, who shared first-hand accounts of what the job entails and the base helping agencies they work hand-and-hand with.

"I walked away from the symposium with a multitude of takeaways," said Technical Sgt. Aimee Roth, 20th Fighter Wing Chapel NCO in-charge of training and readiness. "There were knowledge gems, such as disciplinary actions and crisis response that assist not only as a 'fill-in' but as a warrior care leader. Also, receiving firsthand and behind-the-scene looks at real life diverse/complex scenarios was eye opening. The passion, humility and transparency these first sergeants displayed while instructing this course was inspiring. They believe it's a calling to serve as first sergeant and I agree. All have experienced defining moments of struggle and triumph."

The NCO's were introduced to different aspects of being a first sergeant, including death and command responsibilities, security forces procedures, administrative actions and the Article 15 process.

Attendees also had the chance to question a panel consisting of a commander, superintendent, and first sergeant to get a better understanding of how different leadership levels work together.

"I feel as if it was a huge success," said Senior Master Sgt. Damon Pettaway, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "The Shaw Diamond Council not only had a chance to train our possible successors, but we also had the chance to equip the NCO's with more tools that will help them continue to provide top-notch supervision to the Airmen in and around their work centers."