Davis-Monthan hosts symposium to prepare future first sergeants

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- More than 45 prospective first sergeants came together at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2026, for a four-day symposium. The event was designed to sharpen the administrative skills and problem-solving tools they will need to take care of Airmen.

First sergeants advise commanders on the health, morale, welfare and discipline of Airmen, so the role requires both people skills and a command of the administrative processes that support them.

Attendees spent the week learning about administrative responsibilities, such as case documentation, reporting requirements and coordination with commanders and base agencies, along with participating in simulated scenarios designed to test their responses when their help is needed most.

Instruction also focused on resolving Airmen discrepancies fairly and quickly. Through briefings, scenario-based discussions and panels with experienced first sergeants, attendees practiced identifying the root of an issue, connecting Airmen with the right resources and following through.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Barrows, 355th Component Maintenance Squadron senior enlisted leader and a former first sergeant, highlighted the personal impact of the role when young service members are in crisis. "The first person that engaged me [during those times] was a first sergeant," said Barrows, "Luckily, I had a great first sergeant who was caring, empathetic, listened to what I said and got me the help that I needed."

For many attendees, the symposium offered a first look at how much the job asks of a first sergeant and how they work together to take care of each other, as well as the Airmen they serve.

"I've never done this before, but it's nice to know you've got other first sergeants and supporting agencies to help you through the process," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alan Freeman, 355th Wing Command Post noncommissioned officer of command and control operations.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jose Cabrera, 355th Wing commander, spoke about the legal and moral responsibilities of leadership.

"The only way that we get to keep an all-volunteer force is if we take care of our people," said Cabrera. "Every successful unit that I've ever been a part of or had the opportunity to work with, if they were successful, it was because they took care of their people."

The symposium concluded Oct. 1 with a graduation ceremony, where experienced first sergeants assigned to Davis-Monthan fielded questions from the group and shared lessons from their own experiences. The prospective first sergeants returned to their units equipped to support Airmen, strengthen unit readiness and contribute to Davis-Monthan’s ability to execute its mission.

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