Student describes First Sergeants Academy 'like drinking through a fire hose'

The following commentary is the first of a four-part series highlighting the experiences of Master Sgt. Michael Diaz, a student at the Air Force First Sergeants Academy. Master Sgt. Diaz, who hails from the 147th Mission Support Group located at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas serves with the Air National Guard and has 18 years combined service with the active duty Air Force, the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.

As we completed the first week of study and training at the Air Force First Sergeants Academy my first impression of the course is that it's like taking a drink from a fire hose (a phrase used by the instructors). The instructors are feeding us a lot of information and we are on a tight schedule to get things done. My early advice for anyone who wants to attend the FSA is to be a dry sponge. Go into the program and soak up as much of the information as you can absorb.

I continue to be impressed by the instructors and the way they present the material. They are so well-versed in the material but it never comes across as rehearsed or canned. You can tell they are teaching from experience and they love what they do which brings the lessons to life.

I think I can speak for my classmates when I say we are in awe when we think about the prospect of becoming first sergeants. We have all served as acting first sergeants for a short period prior to coming here, so we have a good concept about the position. However, as we receive this in-depth training, the information opened our eyes as we see how great the position truly is and how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to become shirts.

During the first week we studied enlisted force management, promotions, communication skills, personnel evaluations and many other aspects which are important tools we need to support our people. I can't say that any particular class stands out. At this stage I would prefer to say that studying to be a first sergeant is like putting a puzzle together. As we get all of the pieces everything makes more sense. The picture becomes clearer and we have a better insight into what we will be experiencing when we become first sergeants.

Being a first sergeant isn't for everyone but I don't regret the decision to attend the course. A few pieces of advice I would offer: 

1. Be open-minded - There is no one way to deal with people. Each person is different and a one-size fits all approach won't cut it.
2. Be a sponge - There is so much information you have to absorb, listen, take notes and enjoy the opportunity to learn.
3. Be flexible - We are on a tight schedule and things change. One of the common catch phrases you hear throughout the course is 'semper Gumby'.
4. Study - You have to stay on top of your homework if you want to keep up.