Deployed diamonds: Challenges of first sergeants while deployed

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Zach Anderson
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  According to Air Force Instruction 36-2113, "The United States Air Force First Sergeant is an expeditionary leader serving in a time honored special duty position, rich in custom and tradition. The first sergeant works directly for and derive their authority from the unit commander at home station, deployed commander when deployed, and serves as the commander's critical link within the unit for all matters concerning enlisted members."

According to Chief Master Sgt. Kathleen Lowman, 931st Air Refueling Group Superintendent, the final phrase of that description, "all matters concerning enlisted members" is a catch-all for a very lengthy list of responsibilities.

"The role of First Sergeant is extremely demanding," said Lowman. "The First Sergeant of a unit is responsible for taking care of the needs of their members 24/7. They are always on call, and they are always there to take care of any issues their members may have, whether they be military or personal."

While the job is demanding at home station, serving as a First Sergeant in a deployed environment brings its own set of challenges for a first shirt.  Two members of the Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling Group here can speak from experience.

Senior Master Sgt. Willie Tucker, First Sergeant for the 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, served as First Sergeant for the 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron for more than two months while deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. He knows firsthand the difference between serving as first shirt while deployed as opposed to at home station.

"Morale is the biggest challenge," said Tucker. "A big part of the job is working to keep our Airmen focused on why we are really here and to remember that we have a job to do."

To keep up morale, Tucker said part of the job of a deployed first shirt is to give Airmen an opportunity to break away from the daily grind.

"We try to get the Airmen involved in some type of community service or organize some sports or physical activity to keep them active," said Tucker. "We organize trips around the area or go out to dinner so they can have the opportunity to experience some of the local culture as well."

Senior Master Sgt. Darren Demel, 18th Air Refueling Squadron, is currently serving as First Sergeant for the 90 EARS. Demel took over the position when Tucker's deployment ended in November and said there are some advantages to working as first shirt in a deployed environment.

"The biggest difference to me is the fact that at home I really only deal with my own squadron," said Demel. "Here I get to deal with everyone in the 90 EARS, the operators, the maintainers, and everyone who is supporting the deployment."

Tucker echoed his sentiments.

"When you are deployed, there is so much more interaction with the Airmen than there is at home station," said Tucker. "At home it seems like there is always paperwork or training that has to be done. So getting to interact with all the Airmen like this is really a good experience."

Both first shirts agree that the biggest part of the job while deployed is simply to be there for the Airmen.

"The most important thing a first shirt can do while deployed is to stay engaged as much as possible and keep the lines of communication open," said Demel.

"Just getting out into the squadron and spending time with the Airmen is the most important thing," said Tucker. "Being there, being around, and putting your face out there, both on and off duty. A lot of problems can be avoided if the first sergeant just makes it a habit to always be around and be there."