Symposium covers first sergeant essentials Published Jan. 14, 2011 By Stefan Bocchino 377th Air Base Wing Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- An Additional Duty First Sergeant symposium was held here from 10 to 14 Jan at the Air Force Safety Center auditorium. The symposium hosted approximately 115 students from 27 bases and one Army post. The students were Tech. Sgt's and Master Sgt's as well as two lieutenants. The lessons at the symposium covered the essentials of being a First Sergeant. "This training is crucial to those members performing as Additional Duty First Sergeants as it provides vital information not only from the First Sergeant Academy instructors on First Sergeant responsibilities, but key support agencies that First Sergeants deal with on a daily basis," said Senior Master Sgt. Joseph San Nicolas, 58th Maintenance Squadron First Sergeant. "Knowing how to handle these types of issues and which agencies to contact are critical in what First Sergeants do to be successful in helping our Airman." The courses at the symposium were taught by First Sergeant Academy instructors. There was also a number of guest speakers. At the end of the course, students received a certificate and earned two credit hours from the Community College of the Air Force.