386th AEW First Sergeants host additional duty First Sergeant symposium
First sergeants, often called “first shirts,” are the heartbeat of a squadron, enforcing standards, mentoring Airmen and serving as a direct link between enlisted members and senior leadership. In a deployed environment, where one shirt may be responsible for hundreds, the load is heavy, and the need for trusted support is clear.
U.S. Air Force first sergeants across the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing launched an Additional Duty First Sergeant Symposium within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 2 through June 4, 2025.
The three-day course prepared motivated NCOs for the demands of serving as an additional duty first sergeant, with an eye toward potentially earning the diamond themselves in the future.
“There was already interest,” said Master Sgt. Jason Brooks, 386th AEW first sergeant. “NCOs were coming up to us saying they wanted to be involved. Rather than let that momentum go to waste, we built something meaningful.”
Chiefs and shirts from around the 386th AEW led panels to provide real-world perspective on the role’s demands, and a different chief opened each day to emphasize leadership and mentorship.
“You’ll get out of this what you put into it,” said Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Jendrzejewski, 386th AEW command chief, “Any leader can give orders, but great leaders inspire people to want to follow them. The greatest asset you can give someone is your time.”
The symposium offered a crash course in first sergeant duties, featuring instruction from base helping agencies including legal, mental health, sexual assault prevention and response and chaplains.
“The goal was to empower E-6s and above who meet the criteria and are willing to step into this challenging but rewarding role,” Brooks said. “It’s about giving them tools for their toolbox. Whether they serve in an additional duty capacity now or become ‘diamonds’ later.”
Additional duty shirts assist first sergeants with critical tasks like tracking programs, fielding concerns and supporting squadron morale. They may also step into the full role when the primary shirt is unavailable.
“They’re like a mini-me,” Brooks said. “They help manage culture and maintain standards. And in a deployed setting, where one shirt may be responsible for hundreds of Airmen, that support is critical.”
First sergeants are using this symposium to invest in the next generation of enlisted leaders, preparing Airmen to step up, stay ready and take care of their wingmen when it counts.
“I hope they walk away with a wealth of knowledge, resources and a fire to get after it,” said Brooks. “I hope that this fuels their fire to become a diamond.”
