The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt

1. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Texas Wing Cadet Training and Education Program Senior Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy

2. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Reference Text • CAPM SSS-01 • Unofficial Publication • Cadet First Sergeants Guide • Complied By Capt Shawn Stanford • Copy in your SNCOA Folder

3. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt The USAF 1st Sgt Creed • “My Job is people—Every ONE 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 my faith. The Air Force is my life; I share it with my people. I believe in the Air Force Goal—’We Take Care of Our Own’ “

4. History of the “First Shirt” What the heck is a “First Shirt” • Term came about because 1st Sgts. Wore Dress Uniforms when everyone else wore work uniforms because he went back into the office to work with officers. • In the German Military, the 1st Sgt was known as the “Father of the Corps” • Provided Stern Discipline, as well as an open ear and an open mind. • First Shirts are generally considered wise and learned in the ways of the military due to their tenure in the service. • Traditionally, young officers look to him for advice. • CAP Is a little different because Officers have usually spent more time in the program

5. Its all about Relationships Baby!!! • -Cadet Programs Officers • -Cadet Commander • -NCO Corps • -Cadet Corps • -Some Nuts and Bolts

6. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Your Relationshipwith Cadet Programs Officers Leadership Officer - Provides Guidance -Keep Him/Her informed as you would the C/CC. -Talk to them about difficulties/frustrations Deputy CC for Cadets - Should Want you around for discussions. (If Not, Ask to be) - Keep informed as you would C/CC - Should let you know about anything that affects you or those under your command **Note: If these people don’t want you around during a specific discussion, it maybe for a reason. If for some reason they ask you to be excluded from a conversation, it is probably for a reason, so just say “Yes Sir” and continue the March.**

7. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Your Relationshipwith the Cadet Commander • Single most Important Person you work with • Your one and only boss • You are his right hand • You must have an excellent working relationship with him in order to run the squadron together • You should know the Cadets best. Take time to know them personally and individually • If an NCO is ready for a staff position (Admin, Logistics, PAO) it is your job to recommend them • -You are also responsible for recommending Flt Sgts

8. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt What A Commander is looking forin his First Sergeant • -The best NCO in the Squadron • -A Strong Leader • -A Leader By Example • -A Competent Leader • -A Trainer and Developer • -A Good Communicator • -A Dedicated Leader • -A Loyal Supporter

9. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt What A Commander is NOT looking forin his First Sergeant • -A 1st Sgt who doesn’t Listen • -Someone who doesn’t keep his Commander Informed • -Someone who doesn’t support his Commander • -Someone who doesn’t lead by example • -Someone who doesn’t train and hold his NCOs Accountable • -A First Sergeant who is a desk rider

10. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Developing A Relationship with your Commander -Establish A Command Philosophy -Develop and agree on Squadron standards, goals and objectives -Discuss expectations of one Another -Make sure there is easy two way communication between the two you you -Determine general division of labor -Discuss good guy/bad guy roles

11. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Your Relationship with the Cadet NCOCorps -You’re in charge of their professional development -Involve NCOs in Teaching as much as possible -Make sure they get experience drilling the flight(s) -Foster and tolerate nothing less than professionalism between your NCOs -Spend Time with your NCOs -Keep them informed -Enforce loyalty and respect for superiors, even if you disagree -Don’t let your NCOs get too big of a head -Give them individual attention -Foster Camaraderie in the NCO Corps

12. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Your Relationship with the Cadet Corps“The day your troops stop coming to you with their problems is the day that you have stopped leading them”-Colin Powell -You are all things to them -You set the tone for their daily existence and intensity level -Remember, the only hold you have on them is their desire to participate in the program -Your Cadets should fear crossing you, but not fear approaching you when they need to. -Discourage them from becoming too familiar with their NCOs -Encourage Team Work -Know your people’s needs -Foster compromise between NCOs and your Cadets -Know your Cadets Personally

13. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Nuts and Bolts -Maintain Standard of Appearance and Discipline -Point out discrepancies immediately -Don’t let your cadets and NCOs “Slide” -Enforce C&C -Have a working knowledge of CAP paperwork -PT -Ensure the Squadron Area is in good condition -Delegate Authority. Don’t micromanage. Its OK to delegate. -DON’T WASTE TIME

14. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Your Duties as the First Sergeant What CAPM 20-1 Has to say -Supervisory, Managerial, and Administrative functions -Personnel Guidance For Cadets -Inspection and Correction of Deficiencies -Preparation of Rosters -Counseling Cadets concerning the CAP Cadet Program -Related Duties as required (anything else the C/CC says)

15. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Discipline -Primarily your responsibility -Keep CPP in mind -Make nuisance of yourself -If verbal correction isn’t enough 1. Extra Military Instruction 2. Administrative Action

16. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Your Behavior -Be yourself, but be consistent -Your attitude and abilities should be above reproach -Don’t let your cadets forget you’re the top. Be subtle -Proceed at the rear of the formation -Keep your NCOs with you if not in formation -Maintain a strong but cordial relationship with them -Unless your help is needed, you should direct and not assist in work details -Remember, Cadets look up to you, so try and do them “one better” -Maintain the best uniform and bearing the squadron -Don’t fraternize with anyone who isn’t and NCO, especially not Junior Cadets -Insist on being called First Sergeant. You have earned it. -Be PROFESSIONAL!

17. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt The Dangers of Micromanagement(Reasons to let NCOs handle the day to day jobs) -It makes it look like Officers have a lack of Faith in NCOs -Thus undermining their authority -It deprives NCOs of valuable and much needed experience -It keeps officers from learning and doing their jobs as Cadet Officers

18. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt And Finally… • Being the 1st Sgt. Is one of the most rewarding yet demanding positions that the CAP Cadet Program has to offer. They best advice I can offer you when you rise to the challenge is this… GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!!!

19. The Finer Points of Being the First Shirt Questions?