USAF First Sergeant vs. Commissioned Officer

You question is a No Brainer! I was a 1St SGT for 11 years made SMSgt and CMSgt as. 1st SGT. Finish your education and be an Officer in any service, the Brotherhood of Officers stick together. My daughter became an AF Officer and she never regreatted it as I was proud of her.
Has be an Officer!

A First Sergeant position is a difficult one you are the eyes and ears for the commander he depends on your input on moral issues with the troops and if a troop needs discipline the First Sergeant can place his recommendation to the Commander. Ok, you are very early in your career I did 26 years Security Forces active, reserves and National Guard. I began my career in 1981 in the old Security career field separate from law enforcement. Work hard on job knowledge, get all your CDC done as fast as you are allowed. I would request as many military schools you can get in. Work towards a college degree. Support your troops and or fellow battle buddy. Have a can do attitude be positive and uplifting. If you need to question/concern about your supervisor talk to him or her first before moving up the chain of command. I believe praising in public and discipline in private. Stay sharp look your best in uniform and haircut. You should never be told to get a hair cut. Good Luck Jim Marquis, MSgt Retired

1. Since you can't be a First Sergeant until you are a MSgt, you are likely 8-10 years (or more) out before you can get to that goal. You can probably get a degree and get your commission quicker than that. Just a thought. You will probably have more effect, sooner going the commissioned route.

2. Have you thought about your goals after the Air Force? In my opinion, you will have more doors opened to you as a retired commissioned officer than you would even as a retired senior NCO.

As stated by others it truly depends on what level of interaction you would like to have with your airmen. Personally, I never had a First Sgt who made the time to mentor me. Several were not effective role models, but seemed more concerned with their own careers than with assisting those in need. My opinion may be jaded though due to the fact that when I was med evac'd from theater and set foot on my home base was the only time I spoke with my First Sgt. He never came to ask how I was after that and I did not speak to him again until I was outprocessing for my medical retirement. The commander of my unit/clinic was the most helpful and touched base with me daily. She was an amazing leader and is the one person I felt helped me more than any other.

Again, my experiences are just that, my experiences. I believe that there are good First Sgt's in the AF and that they are all the things you mentioned above. You just need to decide how closely you would like to work with the airman and NCO's. Sorry i couldn't be more help. Good luck with your decision.

People who want to be good leaders and all they do is strive to be a leader usually are the worst at it. Focus on you and if you're doing well others will choose to follow you. You are way to eager from one NCO s opinion

As you are aware, the First Shirt in the USAF is a duty and not a rank. You may get the duty or you may not. That said, having a goal to obtain your E7, E8 or E9 should be on your radar screen. It is fabulous you are asking this question now and even more fabulous that you have witnessed the results of that type of dedication via your mom. All great leaders begin as great followers. At this stage of your career consider mentoring members of your team that you see may need some help then continue with that mindset at each duty station in your career. You might consider sitting in on a Joint Officer Leadership Development weekend seminar from the Reserve Officers Association with respect to the Sr NCO interfacing segment. Just ask if you can. Each JOPDS normally includes a seminar session (1 hr with tabletop exercise) of Sr NCOs leading a panel in front of many junior officers. You are putting into practice our motto, "Aim High, well done.

If you want to see your troops grow shirt is the best officers are more distant more command and paperwork pay is higher in the upper ranks but if you want to help mold people shirt

If you're taking the longer term view and you have the aptitude and means to get a bachelors degree, I say go for a commission. The Setvices offer several pathways to a degree and commission. I think the Base education office may have some ideas.

Officers generally aren't as hands on as enlisted airmen. They influence and shape organizations through NCOs. Their impact is more organizational than personal, but the personal satisfaction of leading a great organization is big. The long-term benefit for you are higher pay and higher retirement pay.

if I could do it again I'd of commissioned it depends on what you want. Both are vital both are rewarding.

I wasn't a first shirt. I was a MSgt & served 23 wonderful years in the Air Force. If you go through first shirt route. You can mentor & be a role model as you be a shirt. This gives you experience plus your in the front lines with the troops. I am a little bias being enlisted why go to the dark side lol. If you do the officer route. Don't forget the enlisted and you was one too. Met some officers that were prior enlisted. They did and was hard on them. They thought they were better than the enlisted. What ever route you will do good. Your mom sounds like she has good advice.