Senior noncommissioned officers from across NATO gathered, in Tallinn, Estonia, for the Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers, the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater.
(U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jack Hoppe)
TALLINN, Estonia — For roughly 50 command senior enlisted leaders from across NATO Allied and partner nations, the day started the best way noncommissioned officers know how — with physical training.
The landscape was a stadium in Tallinn, Estonia, and the workout officially kicked off the start of the 18th Annual Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers, April 14-18, 2025, where more than 35 nations sent their top senior enlisted soldiers to strengthen relationships, enhance the NCO corps and share best practices for collective security.
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Senior noncommissioned officers from across NATO conduct physical training in Tallinn, Estonia, April 15, 2025, to kick off the 18th Annual CEANCO. The Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships, and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
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Senior noncommissioned officers from across NATO conduct physical training in Tallinn, Estonia, April 15, 2025, to kick off the 18th Annual CEANCO. The Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships, and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)VIEW ORIGINAL
The conference was co-hosted by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeremiah Inman, and the Estonian Division Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Andreas Rebane.
“It’s a great honor to host CEANCO in Estonia this year,” said Rebane, a Class 63 (2012) graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeant’s Major Academy. “It shows that we have friends, we are united, and we are ready to support each other through difficulties.”
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Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Thomas “Patrick” Payne, Medal of Honor recipient, speaks to participants about leadership and commitment during the Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers in Tallinn, Estonia, April 17, 2025. The 18th Annual CEANCO is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships, and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
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Senior enlisted leaders attending the 18th Annual Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers had the chance to speak with U.S. Army Retired Sergeant Major and Medal of Honor recipient, Thomas P. Payne, during the week-long conference in Tallinn, Estonia. Payne earned the Medal of Honor for operations during a hostage rescue in Iraq in 2015, and attendees had the chance to view the medal up close while Payne was a guest speaker at the event April 17, 2025. CEANCO is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater and took place April 14-18, 2025, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)VIEW ORIGINAL
Special guest at the event was retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Thomas P. Payne, who through his actions during a 2015 hostage rescue in Iraq, was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States highest award for valor.
“We are not going to fight any fight alone,” Payne said of the importance of partnership during the event. “It’s important to be there on and off the battlefield for each other.”
The event included numerous panels throughout the week, starting with the Republic of Estonia Defence Forces Military Overview. Other panels included “Contested Logistics,” “Why Africa Matters” and a NATO update, among others.
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Morgan, Security Assistance Group-Ukraine Command Sergeant Major, asks a question during a keynote session at the 18th Annual Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers (CEANCO) in Tallinn, Estonia, April 17, 2025. CEANCO is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)VIEW ORIGINAL
Senior enlisted leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations participate in the week-long Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers in Tallinn, Estonia, April 15, 2025. The 18th Annual CEANCO is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)VIEW ORIGINAL
Regimental Sgt. Maj. Keith Caffrey, Irish Defense Forces, speak to a group of fellow senior leaders during break-out sessions at the 18th Annual Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers (CEANCO) in Tallinn, Estonia, April 17, 2025. CEANCO is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)VIEW ORIGINAL
Senior noncommissioned officers from across NATO and partner nations engage in strategic discussion during the 18th Annual Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers (CEANCO) in Tallinn, Estonia, April 17, 2025. CEANCO is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)VIEW ORIGINAL
During the week, breakout sessions focused on poignant questions surrounding today’s NCO Corps. Additionally, attendees traveled to Tapa Army Base in Estonia, where they received a base tour. They met with soldiers from various nations who showcased their equipment, and they had lunch with Estonian Soldiers.
“Building the network here together is important.” said U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Rickey Jackson, 56th Multi-Domain Command. “Because it’s going to be us fighting side by side.”
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U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Aaron Spahl (left), operations sergeant major, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, presents the Sergeant Morales Club medallion to Command Sgt. Maj. Andreas Rebane (right), command sergeant major, Estonian Division, during the conclusion of the Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers in Tallinn, Estonia, April 17, 2025. The 18th Annual CEANCO is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jack Hoppe)
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Netherland's Sgt. Maj. Peter Marten signs a banner to present to Estonian military leadership during the 18th Annual Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers (CEANCO) in Tallinn, Estonia, April 17, 2025. CEANCO is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
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Senior enlisted leaders from more than 50 Allied and partner nations sign a CEANCO banner to present to Estonia leadership for hosting the week-long Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers in Tallinn, Estonia, April 17, 2025. The 18th Annual CEANCO is the premier senior enlisted security cooperation event across the European theater, hosting more than 50 Allied and partner nation senior leaders in order to build relationships and share best practices for collective security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)VIEW ORIGINAL
CEANCO concluded with awards presentations, as the Estonian Command Sergeant Major, Rebane, handed out challenge coins to all the participants. He was also inducted as an honorary member into the U.S. Army’s Sergeant Morales Club, one of the Army’s premier NCO organizations recognizing superior leadership and integrity.
About U.S. Army Europe and Africa:
U.S. Army Europe and Africa forces are strategically positioned across our 104-country area of responsibility to deter aggression and assure our Allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to peace and stability in Europe and Africa. There are approximately 73,000 U.S. Army personnel assigned and deployed throughout Europe and Africa
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