First Sergeants are key leaders and dedicated focal points for readiness, health, morale, welfare and quality of life issues. Their primary responsibility is to build and maintain a professional culture and a mission-ready force. They serve as critical links between commanders and unit members by fostering understanding and compliance with the commanders’ policies, goals and objectives. They work with base and community support agencies to meet the needs of all unit personnel and their families.  They offer 16 badges.