First sergeants: stewards of the AF's most valuable resource

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del --  First sergeants fulfill a special three-year duty chosen on a volunteer basis. Their primary concern is the Airmen in their charge, which is a full-time juggling act.

The first sergeant's of Dover Air Force Base, Del., act as a bridge between commanders and enlisted personnel. Their area of responsibility encompasses discipline, morale and welfare of service members.

"We let the commander know about what is going on in the squadron by acting as a communication piece." said Master Sgt. Steven Ousley, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron.

The main responsibility of a first sergeant is to their Airmen. Some of the common problems Airmen come to them with are: domestic issues, financial problems, permanent change of station difficulties and coworker issues.

"We're not counselors, but we can refer [Airmen] to the right place. We have the names and numbers of several organizations like the Airmen & Family Readiness Center and Military OneSource," said Ousley.

Ousley has been a first sergeant for one year, though he wears several hats by serving as the first sergeant for the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron, 436th Communication Squadron and the 436th Contracting Squadron. He is responsible for over 400 service members in the combined squadrons, and attributes his success to the senior NCOs and NCOs within the squadrons.

"We rely heavily on senior NCOs and NCOs because 90 percent of the issues could be handled at their level before it comes to the first sergeant. I couldn't do it without them," said Ousley.

Though, as a first sergeant, Ousley must juggle his time between maintaining discipline, helping Airmen when times are rough, and advising commanders on their enlisted forces, he says it is worth it.

"It's a tough job, but we're here for [the Airmen]. We work behind the scenes, and we're not in it for the awards. The best moments are when we're helping people. This is the best job, hands down," said Ousley.