NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- More than 20 sergeants attended a local additional duty 1st Sgt. seminar, held for the first time, here at Niagara, April 9-11.

The course, attended by 27 Noncommissioned Officers, was a training course for Tech. and Master Sergeants to become familiarized with the rigors of becoming a 1st Sgt.

"Traditionally, we have a very strong NCO Corps here," said 914th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Clinton Ronan. "The fact that so many NCOs stepped up to attend this course speaks volumes about the men and women here at Niagara Falls; and being able to leverage these types of educational opportunities to enhance the first sergeant cadre is what we do here."

The Air Force Reserve-centric training was pooled by senior noncommissioned officer instructors from the 914th, 911th, and 910th Airlift Wings. The instructors tailored the information to the requirements of their respective units.

"We are trying to build up the understanding about this additional duty to increase the numbers of first sergeants," said Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Gray, 914th Maintenance Squadron 1st Sgt.

One NCO who took a course like this in the past, went out and earned the diamond that is worn on the rank insignia of the unit 1st Sgt.

Master Sgt. Travis Deubell , 914th Communications Squadron 1st Sgt., stated he took a course like this as a Tech. Sgt.

"It gave me a greater understanding of what first sergeants do and it motivated me to become a first sergeant," said Deubell.

While this seminar was an overview for the 1st Sgt. additional duty, the training and information presented is valuable to any NCO who attends, said Gray.

More First Sergeant additional duty courses are slated to be held here in the upcoming fiscal year.