Grissom looking for tough, valuable diamonds to take lead

Published June 2, 2013
By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette
434th ARW Public Affairs

Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. -- Diamonds are not only one of the toughest materials on earth, when refined they are some of the most brilliant and most valuable items in the world.

Perhaps that's why a diamond was chosen to represent the ranks of U.S. military first sergeants as they lead by example, while ensuring mission success and supporting their troops.

Currently, 434th Air Refueling Wing leadership is looking for qualified candidates willing to take on this special role.

"The first sergeant is the right-hand person to the commander, and they are responsible for all the commanders programs within the squadron," said Chief Master Sgt. Karen Perkins, 434th ARW command chief. "They're responsible for the morale of their squadron and keep their commander apprised of the good and bad that's going on."

In that unique role, first sergeants are placed on the front-lines of military life and take on challenges head-on.

"Basically first sergeant's can be a problem solver for Airmen within their squadron," said Perkins. "First sergeant's have access to all agencies on base whether they're having financial trouble, family or legal, and can point them in a right direction if they need help with something."

First sergeants also help the commander maintain good order and discipline within their unit, ensuring standards are met, as well as recognize top performers.

There's a lot more to it than just discipline, explained Perkins.

"First sergeants do a lot of great things like helping with award packages, decorations and enlisted performance reports by helping to make sure that they're ready," she added."

And while most Air Force Reserve first sergeants are traditional reservists, their job goes well beyond one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

"You have to be able to communicate and be available even if as traditional reservist; a first sergeant duty is not a two day a month job," said Master Sergeant Tony Gonzales 434th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant. "As a first sergeant you have to deal with not just the military side of your troops lives, you have to deal with the civilian side too.
"These people have lives, they have jobs, they have families and other obligations outside of the military that affect their military life, as well as their military life affecting their civilian jobs," Gonzales added, stating that a first sergeant helps an Airman bring all those sides of life into harmony.
Despite all of the hard work first sergeants must put into their duty, units and Airmen, both Perkins, a former first sergeant, and Gonzales said it is worth it.
"It's extremely rewarding and a good way to give back," Gonzales elaborated.
With their wide variety of duties assigned to them, potential candidates for a position are required to fulfill certain obligations in order to be considered for such a calling.

Candidates must possess an extensive supervisory background with exceptional leadership skills and must possess a seven level in their Air Force specialty, said Perkins, adding that candidates must exceed minimum standards regarding military image, professionalism and conduct.

Applicants must also have a minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test score of a 41 in the administration category and a 62 in general, and have a current and passing physical fitness test score.

For those meeting the high standards for qualification, positions are currently open.

"There are currently two vacancies here for a first sergeant position", said Perkins. "One is at the 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, and another is at the 434th Maintenance Operations Flight."

Anyone considering a career as a first sergeant must submit a package that includes copies of their last three EPRs; last three PT scores; both military and civilian resumes, which are limited to two pages; a copy of their records review report; and a letter of recommendation from their current commander.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Grissom looking for tough, valuable diamonds to take lead

Grissom looking for tough, valuable diamonds to take lead

Public Affairs Staff