Reference is AFI 36-2113, The First Sergeant. 

Air Force Personnel Center First Sergeant Assignment NCO
DSN:  665-3783 (First Sergeant Line)
Email:  AFPC/DPAAD2 First Sergeant Assignment DLists

HQ USAF First Sergeant Career Field Manager
DSN:  227-5899
Web Site: HQ USAF First Sergeant Website

ACTIVE DUTY FS MANAGEMENT CHANGE

On 24 May 02, HQ USAF/CC established a 3-year initial tour for First Sergeants (FS) entering the duty after 1 Oct 02.  A second 3-year tour will be given to first sergeants selected to fill positions that require experience.  Current First Sergeants (and those attending the Aug 02 FS Academy class) are “grand-fathered” and have indefinite tenures.  The AF also employed a centralized assignment system vs the local utilization/BOC process. 

The management changes made last year have had a positive effect by evenly spreading our critical FS manning across the AF.  “These changes have achieved their goal.  The next step is to fill the vacancies.” (CMSAF Murray, The Enlisted Perspective, 15 Oct 2003).  On 17 Nov 03, the AF released several CSAF-approved changes, to include the addition of a central selection process to compliment the voluntary process. 

Historically, the AF relied solely on volunteers; unfortunately, FS manning remained in the 90 percentile, leaving critical enlisted leadership billets unfilled.  AF leaders will continue to seek out our best SNCOs to fill this very demanding duty and volunteers will remain the foundation; however, when there are insufficient volunteers, the remaining requirements will be filled through the central selection process.  Each year the FS Special Duty Manager will evaluate the need (based on manning and training production) and request the number of central selections to be made.  AFPC will release a message to implement the process to fill the requirements.  

Application procedures are the same, regardless of volunteer status, and all students compete equally for assignment consideration.  Application/assignment procedures are below.

INITIAL FS PROCESS

SNCOs interested in First Sergeant duty apply via the Air Force Special Category (SPECAT) Guide found here.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• MSgt/E7 (MSgt selects may apply; however, they must assume the grade of MSgt prior to FS academy attendance)
• Be highly motivated, have exceptional leadership and managerial skills
• Minimum physical profile of 322221 and be worldwide deployable
• Ability to obtain 36 months retainability as of reporting month
• Meet minimum weight and body-fat standards, overall image must exceed minimum standards
• Ability to speak distinctly
• Prior qualification at the 7- or 9-skill level in any AFSC
• Completed the SNCO Academy Correspondence Course
• Minimum General AQE score of 58 or Administrative AQE score of 45

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

1.       Applicant will use the Special Duty application form from the AFPC web site (http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/procedures/specat.htm), fill out the personnel information, and submit it, along with all required documents, to the Unit Commander.

2.       Unit Commander and First Sergeant will interview the applicant and provide a recommendation to the Installation CCM.  Unit CC signature is required on Special Duty application.  Refer to SPECAT Guide item B1 for mandatory statement.  Include specific justification when recommending disapproval.

3.       Forward complete package to Installation CCM.  CCM will interview applicant and prepare the FS electronic application (First Sergeant Application).  Provide recommendation in Part III.  If not recommending an applicant for FS duty, include specific statements that disqualify the member. 

4.      CCM will forward the FS electronic form to the Wing CC for endorsement.  Once signed, forwards application to MAJCOM CCM via email.

5.       MAJCOM CCM will review, endorse, and forward candidate application to HQ AFPC/DPAAD2 with an information copy to the Wing CCM.  Do not forward copies of EPRs or personnel RIP.

6.       HQ AFPC/DPAAD2 coordinates AFSC release with the applicants’ AFSC Career Field Functional Manager (CFFM).  If CFFM recommends non-release, the Airman Assignments Division chief reviews the package and serves as the final approval/disapproval authority for release.

7.       Upon release, HQ AFPC/DPAAD2 schedules member for the next available FS Academy class in line with their availability or as indicated on the FS electronic form assignment.  DPAAD2 will notify applicant and Wing CCM of approval (notification of class dates and reminder to update preferences via AFPC Web Page ( First Sergeant Preferences) or disapproval with justification. 

Note:  If a waiver is required, DPAAD2 will coordinate with the FS Career Field Manager for approval.  

ASSIGNMENTS

The FS training schedule drives the assignment cycle processing.  Assignment requirements are advertised approximately 120 days prior to training start date. 

**FY05 FS Academy schedule is tentative. The months of training should remain the same; however, CSD and CGD are subject to change.

***Subject to vary by a couple of days due to system availability

·         *Subject to vary by a couple of days due to system availability

Applications must be approved by the MAJCOM/CCM not later than the package due date to get the member in the coinciding training class and assignment cycle.  Approved applicants, upon receipt of FSA formal training RIP, will use the web page to submit assignment preferences to AFPC. 

·         Advertised requirements include CONUS and/or overseas long tour locations.  MAJCOM FS assignment managers (DP staff) provide a priority listing of requirements to AFPC each cycle.  AFPC will use AF-wide manning averages to determine the priority of requirements.  Candidates are only considered for utilization at advertised requirements.

·         Overseas candidates will be considered for training and assignment in conjunction with their Date Eligible to Return from Overseas (DEROS).  Exceptions will be considered on a case-by case basis when overseas candidates apply for utilization prior to DEROS.

 Initial First Sergeant Assignment Selection Criteria

(1)   Approved FS candidates will be prioritized by time on station (TOS), shortest to longest.  Candidates not meeting the 3-year TOS requirements will be considered for local utilization if an advertised requirements exists (cost-savings/PCS budget consideration).

(2)  Once all local requirements are matched for candidates not meeting time on station guidelines, mandatory movers (OS returnees, those completing maximum tour assignments) are considered.  Remaining packages will be prioritized by TOS, longest to shortest (DOD dictates that the person with most TOS receives the highest assignment consideration priority).

·         Match non-volunteers

o        OS locations--selection based on earliest OS duty selection date (ODSD)

o        CONUS locations--selection based on assignment priority

Notes: 

(1)   Candidates may apply to remain at their current locations if it is listed as a requirement in the assignment cycle.  All candidates are highly encouraged to prioritize all advertised locations on their preference request, regardless of TOS and local utilization desires.

(2)   MAJCOM/CCM can recommend PCS (in electronic mail package) for personnel with extended TOS.

EXPERIENCED FIRST SERGEANT PROCESS

Experienced requirements include those authorized SMSgts or CMSgts, overseas short tour locations, EQUAL plus positions and those deemed necessary by the MAJCOM. Those approved for and/or serving their 2nd tour and "grand-fathered" First Sergeants fill experienced requirements. Experienced FS requirements, along with initial FS assignments, are published each cycle in the Experienced First Sergeant Preferences

Second Tour/Experienced FS Assignment Selection Process

Assignment priority is as follows:

1.       Overseas short tour locations
o        Volunteers, then non-volunteers by fewest number of short tours and earliest Overseas Duty Selection Date (ODSD)

2.       SPECAT OS and CONUS locations
o        Volunteers, then non-volunteers by earliest ODSD for OS positions, longest TOS for CONUS positions

3.       Overseas long tour locations
o         Volunteers, then non-volunteers by earliest ODSD

4.       CONUS locations
o         Volunteers, then non-volunteers by longest TOS

Notes:

1.       Timing of requirements may cause individuals to serve more than a total of six years.  Extensions to the established assignment availability code will be considered on a case by case basis and be in the best interest of the Air Force.  However, extensions should not normally exceed 12 months.

2.       Tour expiration codes become null and void upon selection for promotion to CMSgt.

RELEASE FROM FIRST SERGEANT DUTY PROCEDURES

There are three types of withdrawal: substandard duty performance/unacceptable conduct or behavior, medical disqualification, and voluntary.  For exact procedures on withdrawal please refer to AFI 36-2113, The First Sergeant, Chapter 7. 

1)   First Sergeant submits letter for release.  While there is not a prescribed format for withdrawal requests, we have provided a sample letter (see below).  Ensure to update assignment preferences upon submission of request.  If your preference is to remain at your present location update the bases preference code as your first choice.  You will also need to update additional preferences (stateside and overseas, if desired) in the event manning does not support you remaining at your current location.

2)   MAJCOM/CCC faxes release letter to HQ AFPC/DPAAD2 (DSN: 665-2772).

3)   DPAAD2 routes release to the AFPC Assignment NCO responsible for the returning AFSC assignment .

4)   AFPC Assignment NCO will consider local utilization first.  If manning does not support, the lowest manned MAJCOM will determine the location, taking into consideration assignment preferences listed in member’s personnel file (MilPDS).  It is not guaranteed the member will be matched to a preference, as AF needs must be taken into consideration as well.  

5)   AFPC Assignment NCO will notify DPAAD2 of assignment disposition.

6)   DPAAD2 will:
      a.   Update assignment in MILMOD
      b.   Notify MPF and Host CCM via e-mail of assignment information, effective date of diamond removal,
            to update AFSC data, and duty title. 
          i.   RNLTD will be:  120 days from date of the message/email if PCSing, date following diamond           
               removal date if being utilized locally, or upon normal DEROS rotation if overseas.
         ii.  Diamond removal effective date will be:  the date member requested on their letter or as directed by
              MAJCOM/CCC. 
      c.   Update release database then file package for 1 year in active files and 1 year in inactive files after the first year.

SAMPLE LETTER:
PREPARE ON YOUR LETTERHEAD

MEMORANDUM FOR:         21 SVS/CC  (use your unit)
                                                21 SW/CCC  (use your wing)
                                                21 SW/CC
                                                HQ AFSPC/CCC (use your MAJCOM)
                                                HQ AFPC/DPAAD2
                                                IN TURN

 FROM:  21 SVS/CCF 

SUBJECT:  Voluntary Withdrawal from the First Sergeant Career Field 

I, MSgt John P. Doe, 111-22-3333, am requesting withdrawal from the First Sergeant career field effective 1 August 2001 and to return to my previously awarded AFSC of 3S071, Personnel.  As of that date, I will have completed more than the required 36 months as a First Sergeant.

                                                            JOHN P. DOE, MSgt, USAF
                                                            First Sergeant

1st Ind, 21 SVS/CC 

MEMORANDUM FOR:            21 SW/CCC

 Recommend approval/disapproval.

                                                                                STEVEN P. RIM, LtCol, USAF
                                                                                Commander

 (Additional Ind continue to add their recommendation as above.  MAJCOM/CCC will endorse and fax to AFPC/DPAAD2 for final action)

Release from FS duty for those entering after 1 Oct 02:

First Sergeants will serve an initial three-year controlled tour.  At approximately the 23rd month of FS duty, the member will receive a MilPDS-generated notification letter.  This notification requests the FS to elect one of two options:

            Option one – Return to the PAFSC upon completion of initial tour

            Option two—Serve another 3 year controlled tour

The MPF will update AAC 50 in accordance with AFI 36-2110, para 2.15.7.5.6, for First Sergeants that choose option one.  First Sergeants that serve a subsequent tour will be placed on an AAC 50, expiring 3 years from arrival at new tour location.

Withdrawal actions for substandard duty performance/unacceptable conduct or behavior and medical disqualification are processed as indicated above.

8F000 AWARD

Applicants are awarded DAFSC SDI (8F000) when gained to an 8F000 UMD position (PCS or PCA).

The CAFSC SDI (8F000) is awarded upon graduation from the FSA

 The duty title “First Sergeant” is not authorized unless the above criteria is met

*** NOTE:  Additional-duty first sergeants are not authorized the duty title “First Sergeant”*** 

Update Assignment Availability Codes as follows:

First Sergeants with an effective date prior to 30 Sep 02:  MPF Relocation office will update Assignment Availability Code 45.  The date of availability will be 2 years from class graduation date (CGD).  EX:  CGD is 30 Aug 2002, AAC will expire Aug 2004 and will reflect in system as AAC 450408.  Availability will be on the first date of the expiring month. 

First Sergeants with an effective date of 01 Oct 02 and later:  MPF Relocation office will update Assignment Available Code 44 in accordance with AFI 36-2110, paragraph 2.15 and table 2.1.  The date of availability will be 3 years from class graduation date (CGD).  EX:  CGD is 20 Nov 2002, AAC will expire Nov 2005 and will reflect in system as AAC 440511.  Availability will be on the first date of the expiring month.