First sergeants: make people their business

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base --  A Team Kirtland first sergeant has emphasized how important it is for Airmen to know who their first sergeants are and the role they serve in the chain of command.

"First sergeants guide, mentor and help Airmen, and they ensure the commander has a mission-ready force," said Master Sgt. Shelly Kiesling, 58th Training Squadron first sergeant.

In order to have a mission-ready force, the relationship between first sergeant and unit members needs to flow both ways, said Sergeant Kiesling.

"I know all the first sergeants here do their best to get out to their workplaces and be at base-wide events, but supervisors and Airmen need to their part as well," said Sergeant Kiesling. "Supervisors need to make sure when a new Airmen arrives, they schedule an appointment with their first sergeant or stop by the first sergeant's office to introduce him or her. Airmen need to know what their chain of command is, and their first sergeant is part of it."

Sergeant Kiesling suggested that some Airmen may shy away from their first sergeant because they feel there is a negative perception.

"Some Airmen stereotype first sergeants as the disciplinarians," said Sergeant Kiesling. "I think we are seen in this light because that is when the first sergeant seems to be the most visible to the unit. In reality, there is so much more. We train and advise our young Airmen to one day take our positions. We are here to make our Air Force stronger by ensuring Airmen know what is expected of them and can handle that responsibility."

She said there are several reasons why Airmen should know who their first sergeant is, but the most significant one is for emergencies.

"We are usually the first ones notified of an emergency," said Sergeant Kiesling. "Heaven forbid if something happens to an Airman and no one knows how to get in touch with the family. First sergeants have a network to take care of Airmen. We can get information to a family or get an Airman home faster than if they try and work it on their own."

She said being a first sergeant can be challenging, but the benefits far exceed the demands.

"You have to make people your business, be willing to dedicate your time and energy to their needs, whether it is health, morale or discipline issues," said Sergeant Kiesling. "This is the best job ever! It is so rewarding to see your Airmen grow, achieve their goals and successfully complete the Air Force's mission."