U.S., Comorian Soldiers participate in NCO seminar

By Staff Sgt. Shejal PulivartiJuly 11, 2012

US, Comorian soldiers participate in NCO seminar
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. David Gilbert, squad leader, 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas National Guard, assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force -- Horn of Africa, discusses self-development methods with Comorian Army of National Development noncommissi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
US, Comorian soldiers participate in NCO seminar
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 1st Sgt. Paul Yarnell, first sergeant, 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas National Guard, assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force -- Horn of Africa, discusses counseling methods with Comorian Army Adjutant Attoumane Abdou, squad leader for... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
US, Comorian soldiers participate in NCO seminar
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. David Gilbert (left), squad leader, 1st Sgt. Louis Smith (second from right), mission commander, and 1st Sgt. Paul Yarnell (right), first sergeant, all with the 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas National Guard, assigned to the Co... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

MORONI, Comoros (July 10, 2012) -- U.S. and Comorian army Soldiers partnered together to participate in a five-day noncommissioned officer development seminar at the National School of Army and Gendarmerie, here, June 12-16.

Three U.S. Army and 25 Comorian noncommissioned officers, known as NCOs, participated in the seminar that covered basic NCO skills. NCOs from both countries shared best practices and learned new, more efficient ways to lead their troops.

The seminar allowed participants to share their perspectives on roles and requirements of an NCO, how to lead and counsel junior service members, and methods of professional development within the various NCO tiers.

"They were very tentative, very eager, and very professional," said 1st Sgt. Louis Smith, mission commander, 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas National Guard, assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force -- Horn of Africa. "I was incredibly impressed with them. I learned that they were exposed to similar training through their various programs, but the interaction between senior NCOs, regardless of country and background, is always nice to have."

The exchange of experiences, lessons learned and challenges equips the participants in many ways.

"I learned about the different roles between officers and NCOs in their military. It's much different from ours, and it was interesting to hear their challenges in overcoming the roles set already. It was nice to interact with them about being an NCO," Smith said.

The participants appreciate the exchange with their U.S. colleagues and wish to have future interactions that could strengthen the acquired experience during the seminar, said Comorian Army Adjudant Youssouf Mohamed Boina.

The senior NCOs concluded the five-day seminar with mutual respect and a bond that exists in the NCO corps, said Smith.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Africa News

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Combined Joint Task Force -- Horn of Africa

U.S. Army Africa

Combined Joint Task Force -- Horn of Africa on Facebook