HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The First Sergeant Council will host an Additional Duty First Sergeant Symposium April 27 through May 1 at the Hanscom Conference Center here.
The professional development event, scheduled daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is open to technical sergeants, senior noncommissioned officers, company grade officers and field grade officers.
“This symposium equips participants with the skills and knowledge required to serve in the first sergeant role while also giving officers a better understanding of how to effectively partner with their shirt,” said Senior Master Sgt. Andrea Nehmer, the first sergeant for Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Detachment 7.
The symposium is designed to prepare Airmen and officers for the responsibilities of a first sergeant while strengthening leadership and mentorship across units.
Instruction will be led by senior leaders and subject matter experts and will cover topics such as leadership, legal processes, base support agency operations and crisis intervention. Training will also incorporate real-world scenarios to reinforce practical application.
A commander’s panel is also scheduled, providing an opportunity to share their expectations of first sergeants and discuss how they support mission execution and unit readiness.
Organizers said the symposium plays a key role in developing future leaders while reinforcing the importance of readiness and the well-being of Airmen.
“Events like this are critical for fostering mentorship and ensuring our force is prepared to respond to challenges while maintaining a strong support structure for Airmen,” Nehmer said.
Upon completion of the symposium, attendees will receive a certificate qualifying them to perform additional duty or interim first sergeant responsibilities, allowing them to step in when a unit’s assigned first sergeant is unavailable.
The registration deadline is April 22. Interested personnel should contact their unit first sergeant or email Nehmer at andrea.nehmer@us.af.mil to sign up.