Montana Air National Guard senior NCO, Great Falls native, takes care of Airmen at deployed base

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Airmen participate in a retreat ceremony May 21, 2010, at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing staff served as the lead unit in formation for the ceremony. Every week, the 380th AEW holds a retreat ceremony to honor the American flag and what it stands for. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.  

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06.14.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA - In a deployed environment, there's one person in each unit whose job it is to make sure the troops are looked after and their need's are addressed -- the first sergeant.

For the 380th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, 380th Expeditionary Mission Support Group staff and the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing staff at a non-disclosed base here, that person is Master Sgt. Robert E. Bannister. As a first sergeant, Bannister provides the commander a mission-ready enlisted force to execute the unit mission.

"Among my deployed duties as first sergeant here are to ensure incoming personnel are billeted and have all the necessary information for their deployment here," said Bannister, who is deployed from the Montana Air National Guard's 120th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 120th Fighter Wing at Great Falls. "I am also constantly visiting the work sections making sure every Airman is taken care of and is well informed. I am the coordinator of the wing's monthly birthday meals and I also help with the ordering the awards for the monthly wing award promotion program."

The Air Force job description for a first sergeant shows first sergeants "must remain vigilant for, and move to resolve, issues that, left unchecked, would adversely impact the readiness of enlisted members." First sergeants also advise the commander on a wide range of topics including the health, esprit de corps, discipline, mentoring, well being, career progression, professional development and recognition of all assigned enlisted members. They assist the commander in preparation and execution of unit training and information programs, attend staff meetings, and represent the commander at base meetings and councils and when conducting tours through unit areas.

"I think that my job here as first sergeant is especially important to promote espirit de corps and continuity within the squadron," Bannister said. "It's also important to enforce standards when needed and most of all, make sure all Airmen are well taken care of."

First sergeants also work with fellow senior non-commissioned officers and supervisory personnel to ensure discipline is equitably maintained and provides leadership and guidance to supervisors and members enabling them to resolve problems or complaints at the lowest level, the job description states. They coordinate the resolution of complex problems with the supervisor, member, commander and appropriate base agencies and they maintain liaison with base agencies to ensure availability of services for unit members.

Bannister's duties as a first sergeant also require that he ensures training is provided on matters of leadership, customs and courtesies, dress and personal appearance, self-discipline, adherence to standards, drill and ceremony, safety, hygiene and sanitation. He supports and promotes profession military education activities and corrects conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.

In the deployed environment, Bannister might be inspecting dormitories, day rooms and unit areas as necessary or working closely with the wing's command chief master sergeant to ensure enlisted members understand and are prepared to execute the deployed mission. The 26-and-a-half-year veteran of the Air Force said being a first sergeant and serving is something he's very proud to do.

"When I joined the Air Force, there wasn't any war going on," said Bannister, whose hometown is Great Falls as well. "The Cold War era was still on. As the years progressed and the Gulf War broke out, then the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks took place, being in the Air Force and serving my nation became more important to me. I wanted to continue to provide my family protection and serve my country with honor and dignity."

Bannister has deployed before, including a previous stint with the 380th AEW. He said deploying to the combat zone provides perspective for all who are serving.

"Being deployed doesn't seem like you are in support of the front-line war effort, but you have to look at the big picture of what we do here in the 380th," Bannister said. "Everyone from the lowest ranking Airman and up has a very important job. Even if they don't think it's an important job, they are wrong because they are all important out here. If someone gets out of line, they need to be reenergized and kept focused on the mission. That's why it's important they see where they fit into the big picture."

Bannister is like many Guardsmen supporting the Air National Guard's federal mission. According to the National Guard Bureau, that mission is to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during war and provide assistance during national emergencies (such as natural disasters or civil disturbances). During peacetime, the combat-ready units and support units are assigned to most Air Force major commands to carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, humanitarian and contingency operations such as for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

The Air National Guard also provides almost half of the Air Force's tactical airlift support, combat communications functions, aeromedical evacuations and aerial refueling. In addition, the Air National Guard has total responsibility for air defense of the entire United States, the NGB reports.

• Date Taken: 06.14.2010
• Date Posted: 06.14.2010 16:44
• Story ID: 51370
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)