DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- I was recently asked by an Airman "What does the term 'first shirt' mean?" I thought the answer to that question would be a great start for a new opportunity Dover first sergeants have been given to share perspectives. I would like to begin by sharing the First Sergeant's Creed.
I AM A FIRST SERGEANT.
My job is people -- everyone is my business.
I dedicate my time and energy to their needs; their health, morale, discipline and welfare.
I grow in strength by strengthening my people.
My job is done in faith; my people build faith.
My job is people -- everyone is my business.
Not unlike our Airman's Creed, The First Sergeant's Creed is more than just words; it is what every good first sergeant's focus is. When you consider the scope of the First Sergeant's Creed, the amount of responsibility seems unattainable. However, it is with great leaders at the flight level that first sergeants truly are successful and are able to fulfill the expectations that come with wearing "the diamond."
The diamond on the first sergeant's chevron is a symbol recognized by every Airman, Soldier, and Marine. It signifies the specialty of our position and has become a nickname for those stepping forward in an official capacity to lead our enlisted force. Likely, the most commonly used term to address or refer to a first sergeant is "first shirt." Although no one can say with any certainty where it originated from, it has been applied to the duty for years. Three main theories on its origin have evolved:
The first and most colorful version has it that federal troops in the early frontier days wore their shirts into tatters and eagerly awaited the supply wagon bringing new uniforms. When it came, the first sergeant, being the ranking enlisted man, got the first pick of the shirts.
The second theory is that the first sergeant, being the most senior and usually the most experienced of soldiers often collected more decorations and insignia than anyone else. His shirt thus was the gaudiest--the first--in the outfit.
The third explanation is that when the Army troops removed their shirts to work in hot weather, the first sergeant continued to wear his because he was the boss of the work crew and did not do manual labor. When anyone wanted instruction on some subject, he was told to see "the shirt."
Regardless of the meaning behind the name, one thing is certain; a day in the life of the first sergeant is challenging and rewarding. From holding Airmen accountable for their actions to holding back tears when you lose one, there is no other Air Force Specialty Code in the enlisted side of the Air Force that provides the opportunity for you to have such an impact on so many.
It is the goal of the Dover First sergeant's Council to use this initial article to start a commentary sharing the perspective of your first sergeants. Look for our "First Shirt's Corner" in the Airlifter every other week.