Photo By Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr | A group of noncommissioned officers practice martial arts during of the Coalition...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Noncommissioned officers representing various services throughout the North Atlantic Treaty Organization/ International Security Assistance Forces gathered on Camp Leatherneck for the Coalition Noncommissioned Officer Symposium, Aug. 1.
The symposium called for a combination of NCOs and staff NCOs to lead, discuss and demonstrate various skills and exchange information on how to better the NCO corps and enhance the responsibility the position brings.
Six countries were represented throughout the symposium to include United States, Danish, Tongan, Afghan, Jordanian and Bahraini forces.
“The importance of the NCO is to know the rules and regulations of the military and be the embodiment of them and enforce them,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin P. O’Reilly, an instructor.
“They provide a critical link between the junior Marines and the senior enlisted as well as the officers,” said SSgt. Kyle K. Lammerding, an instructor. “They have a unique opportunity to be in a position to mold, train, lead and mentor those who are below them, with them and above them every single day.”
The two-day symposium was lead by Lammerding, O’Reilly and a third Marine Staff Sgt. Gabriel H. Torres. During the evolution, they touched on many subjects to include the background of each Armed Force represented, warrior ethos classes, enhanced marksmanship and included a first aid/combat lifesaver course.
“We were really excited that all six nations represented have participated and volunteered, everybody had a great attitude,” said O’Reilly. “I think it’s been a great success because everybody’s participating and we’re finding that all six nations involved share very similar views on the military.”
“This is what the coalition NCO symposium is all about,” said Lammerding. “That’s to provide a platform for NCOs to mentor, strengthen and reinforce relationships and understandings amongst the coalition NCO force. Making everyone stronger because we’re in this together, one team, one fight.”
The NCOs in attendance did not hesitate to turn the words into action. They frequently asked questions and sought out answers to further their knowledge of their fellow NCOs wearing a different uniform.
“I liked it, it dug into how everyone is from all around the world, but we all have similar beliefs on how to operate and do things,” said Cpl. William Blecha, a symposium attendant.
“Coming together in the beginning was a little awkward, everyone wasn’t so talkative,” said Blecha. “After a little while, we started opening up and saw that all of our views were virtually the same on leadership, tactics.”
The symposium allowed for an exchange of ideas and thoughts by an important group of servicemembers, the noncommissioned officers. Bringing such a diverse group of countries together to discuss matters can do nothing but strengthen the leadership and abilities of the NCOs involved.
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.05.2012 04:10 |
| Story ID: | 92680 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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