First-ever first sergeant symposium at deployed base

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A First Sergeant Symposium designed to provide information and tools to aspiring first sergeants was held here July 27 and Aug. 3 for the first time ever at a deployed location.First sergeants are the principal advisor to the commander on all issues related to the enlisted force and exercise general supervision over assigned enlisted personnel. Those in attendance at the symposium were introduced to many concepts and experiences first sergeants encounter. The course instructors were first sergeants who used their first-hand experience to drive home their assigned topics."This gives you the tools to keep in mind, to help you as supervisors and first sergeants," said Master Sgt. Melissa Somers, the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant deployed from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and a course instructor.While originally intended for aspiring first sergeants, the course was also host to supervisors, superintendents and additional duty first sergeants."This has been extremely amazing and very beneficial," said Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Foxx, the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flight medical clinic NCO in charge and additional duty first sergeant deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. "What they taught here really expands on what you learn in NCO academy."Course curriculum ranged from explaining first sergeant responsibilities to administrative paperwork, and from Article 15 processing to domestic violence and sexual assault response. The first sergeants had to limit their class selection to 20, specifically picking items of interest for the deployed Airman."It was a big challenge for us," said Master Sgt. Kevin Swieda, the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron first sergeant deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and a course coordinator. "The course stateside is a four consecutive-day symposium, but with the high operations tempo we have here, we had to condense the material into two non-consecutive days."Swieda said they weren't able to have as many open discussions and panels as the stateside course would as a result of the abridged curriculum, but added how impressed the first sergeants were of the students' dedication as many of them volunteered their days off for this."We rely heavily on these folks to fill in for us," Swieda said. "So this training provides them the information, training, tools and knowledge through Air Force sanctioned training and first-hand stories on how to do what we do."First sergeants must have knowledge of personnel management with emphasis on quality force indicators, personnel and administration; military training; Air Force organization; drill and ceremonies; customs and courtesies; sanitation and hygiene; military justice; and counseling techniques."The most beneficial part of this training for me was the first-hand stories from the first sergeants," Foxx said. "It was very helpful to hear what tools they use and how they cope with difficult situations that may come up, like deaths and non-judicial punishment."Over the span of the two days, nearly 55 seasoned Airmen attended the symposium learning what it takes to take on the roles and responsibilities of becoming a first sergeant."This was an amazing experience and it would be worth doing again," Foxx said.

Equal Opportunity: “Bridging the gap by building bridges”

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs6/4/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Air Force Equal Opportunity strives to accomplish its mission by promoting an environment free from personal, social or institutional barriers that could prevent Air Force members from rising to their highest potential."Our greatest strength is our diversity," said Master Sgt. Carlos Barter, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Equal Opportunity director deployed here from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. "[The wing commander] constantly emphasizes that people should be treated with dignity and respect. These words I echo in just about every brief I give."Barter has had his hands in the equal opportunity world for most of his life. Growing up in Panama City, Panama, he moved to the U.S. in search of a better life, and in 1995, at 22 years old, he joined the Air Force."That was one of the best decisions I've ever made," he said. "And after nearly 18 years of service, I wouldn't change a thing."Barter began this "life-changing experience" as a logistics troop. He said while his initial career field was fun, he always felt a calling to do something more, to help people."One day the Air Force called me giving me the option to retrain and I jumped at the chance to better help people on a personal level," he said. "I absolutely love working with people."Barter said cross-training to equal opportunity has given him the chance to really see just how diverse the Air Force is.The Air Force broadly defines diversity as a composite of individual characteristics, experiences and abilities consistent with the Air Force Core Values and the Air Force Mission. Air Force diversity includes, but is not limited to: personal life experiences, geographic background, socioeconomic background, cultural knowledge, educational background, work background, language abilities, physical abilities, philosophical/spiritual perspectives, age, race, ethnicity and gender."The greatest strength of our Air Force is our Airmen," said Gen. Mark A. Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff, according to the Air Force Diversity public website. "The greatest strength of our Airmen is their diversity. Each of them comes from a different background, a different family experience and a different social experience. Each brings a different set of skills and a unique perspective to the team. We don't just celebrate diversity ... we embrace it!"But these strengths and this diversity don't just happen. Barter said maintaining a professional environment is key to mission success."We need to sustain an atmosphere where people can feel comfortable approaching leadership when they feel they've been treated unprofessionally," said Barter. "If someone's not 100 percent focused on their job, their mission -- the effectiveness of our overall mission would significantly diminish."As a result of this mission impact, the Air Force enforces a ZERO tolerance policy for all equal opportunity concerns."What I bring to the team is unique in that I help others find resolution in their concerns," Barter said. "I like to be out talking to this wing's Airmen, getting to know their issues and providing assistance where I can. If the issue isn't something I can assist with, I will find the appropriate agency to take care of that individual."Barter said his job allows him to gain insight into a unit's climate, thus providing the commander insight he may not have had before."Equal opportunity supports the mission by breaking down barriers," he said. "We bridge the gap by building bridges."For more information or to attain equal opportunity assistance, call 437-2512.