GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow first sergeants hosted the Fall 2021 First Sergeant Symposium during the week of Nov. 1.
The symposium is held twice a year and is focused on preparing technical sergeants and master sergeants with the skills they need to serve as interim first sergeants.
“The symposium is important,” said Senior Master Sgt. Erica Pratt, 17th Force Support Squadron and Wing Staff Agencies first sergeant. “It gives them an insight into what the job entails and what their responsibilities are.”
Members from the Goodfellow AFB First Sergeant Council, Airman & Family Readiness Center and multiple base organizations spoke during the symposium to provide insight on the additional responsibilities that come with being a first sergeant.
The symposium also included a commander's panel that was used to spark a communication link between commanders and future first sergeants. Commanders relayed what their junior enlisted need and what they expect from their unit first sergeants.
“An additional duty first sergeant is on the front line helping Airmen if they are in a difficult circumstance,” said Capt. Chris Mitchell, Goodfellow AFB special victims counsel. “If they know our services, they can point the Airman to us to make sure they have the knowledge.”
United States Air Force First Sergeant graphic. (Courtesy Graphic)