What is a first sergeant and how to become one

Key steps to become a first sergeant

1. Explore first sergeant education requirements

   Most common first sergeant degrees

   Bachelor's

   41.7 %

   Associate

   40.2 %

   Master's

   8.7 %

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2. Start to develop specific first sergeant skills

   Skills	Percentages
   Personnel Actions	20.19%
   Professional Development	10.79%
   General Supervision	7.26%
   Combat	6.92%
   Logistical Support	6.07%

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3. Complete relevant first sergeant training and internships

   Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New first sergeants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a first sergeant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real first sergeant resumes.

4. Gain additional first sergeant certifications

   First sergeant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific first sergeant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

   The most common certifications for first sergeants include Certified Manager Certification (CM) and Certified Aviation Manager (CAM).

   More About Certifications

5. Research first sergeant duties and responsibilities

   • Supervise and manage the refit and reset of the unit upon redeployment.
   • Manage food, water, ammunition, and equipment for the squad and ensure everyone ration accordingly.
   • Demonstrate unparalleled proficiency in managing operations and administrative requirements in a combat environment, with superior technical and tactical adeptness.
   • Provide leadership and knowledge of federal shipping and logistics regulations by managing adherence to all policies and procedures from higher headquarters.

6. Prepare your first sergeant resume

   When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your first sergeant resume.

   You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a first sergeant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

   Choose From 10+ Customizable First Sergeant Resume templates

   Build a professional First Sergeant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your First Sergeant resume.
   

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7. Apply for first sergeant jobs

   Now it's time to start searching for a first sergeant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

   1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
   2. Consult your professional network
   3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
   4. Watch out for job scams