Africa’s premier senior enlisted course gains momentum

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Lance Pounds | Malawi Defence Force commanding general, Ignacio Maulana, and Malawi Armed Forces College commandant, Brig. Gen. A.B. Mhone, join Malawi sergeant major course graduates, Class of 002-14, for a photo outside the Peace Support building Oct. 28, Salima, Malawi. The class is the second group of MDF soldiers to attend the course. Top students will be selected from both courses to serve as instructors for future courses. (U.S. Army Africa photo)  

SALIMA, MALAWI

03.25.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

SALIMA, Malawi – U.S. Army Africa’s senior noncommissioned officers take a step back as Malawi Defence Force soldiers take charge instructing their own at the Malawi sergeants major course, located in the city of Salima, Malawi. The course began in January 2014 and is in its third iteration.

The course graduated 47 MDF senior noncommissioned officers from infantry and administrative backgrounds; seven who will serve as instructors and managers of future courses.

According to USARAF’s NCO Education System Program managers Sergeants Maj. Jerryn McCarroll and Ron La Fond, many graduates have since reported to their units to implement newfound knowledge into their organizations.

“We can say with confidence that although the course is in its infancy, it continues to evolve at a pace that is feasible for the MDF and its leaders,” said La Fond.

The selected seven MDF personnel are currently working with USARAF advisors to write, develop, and revise current training support packages for the course. Changes and additions were made to course curriculum to increase professionalism and understanding among attendees.

“Instructors are extremely motivated and are eager to see how far the course will develop and how the knowledge will help strengthen them and their NCO corps in the future,” said McCarroll.

Success of the course has generated attention of many U.S. Army institutions, such as the sergeants major academy, training and doctrine, Army Center for Strategic Studies, and Combined Arms Center.

It has also grabbed the attention of the new MDF chief of defense, Gen. Ignacio Malauna, who is an avid supporter of NCO professional development.

Malauna reportedly directed his senior staff to attend the most recent graduation, as well as an informational briefing about the upcoming course, according to McCarrol and La Fond.

McCarroll said if momentum continues, Zambia will be the first outside nation to send noncommissioned officers to the course as they work towards becoming a regional institution for Southern Africa this fall.

“We maintain an active role in communicating with the instructors as well as the MDF leadership and staff on the progression of the course,” said La Fond

“Working with our partner nations along with development and execution of the course have been extremely rewarding,” said La Fond.

As a U.S. military ambassador, he had the opportunity to work with some outstanding senior leaders, soldiers, and civilians.
According to McCarroll, gender integration among MDF soldiers is an example of noncommissioned officer empowerment.

“The top students of each course were female, which should help the gender integration process in the MDF and eventually push female promotions and the need for females in more leadership positions,” said McCarroll.

McCarroll asked male MDF Soldiers how they felt about working for senior females. They responded with, “If a female is their superior then she has the position and influence for them to follow her.”

McCarroll added this level of awareness and understanding between MDF male and female leaders stems from course curriculum in topics such as the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program. The program offered insight into the repercussions of individual actions impacting unit morale and readiness.

As the course progresses, McCarroll foresees a strengthening of relationships between the U.S. Army and regional forces.

“Serving as a regional institution, this course will not only increase the capacity of Malawi and Southern African Development Community militaries’ NCO corps, but also help build and strengthen officer and NCO relationships and interoperability with the U.S. and regional forces,” said McCarroll.

• Date Taken: 03.25.2015
• Date Posted: 03.25.2015 06:16
• Story ID: 157995
• Location: SALIMA, MW
• Hometown: SALIMA, MW