By the Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq Public Affairs Office
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - The senior non-commissioned officers from each branch of the Iraqi security forces met this week for the third-annual Iraqi Non-Commissioned Officer Symposium.
The meeting was held at the Al Faw Palace, where the Iraqis were joined by coalition members, including the U.S. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, a visitor at the last year's conference as well.
"It is the non-commissioned officers that make the routine activity of the organization every day just that, routine," he said while discussing the role non-commissioned officers need to take to keep the military machine functioning. "It is an honor to be at the meeting here to assist in any way that I can."
Much of the program was led by Iraqi Army Command Sgt. Maj. Adel ,who said, "The purpose is to provide an opportunity to foster relationships and a sense of professional commitment among the Iraqi ground forces senior enlisted leadership." Adel will travel to the U.S. in the next few months as part of a trip organized by the Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, a visit intended to show him first-hand the importance of the NCO in the U.S. military. The trip will include a stop at Marine Base Quantico to show him how NCO's in the U.S. military train officers.
MNSTC-I Sgt. Maj. Daniel Terwilliger, who is coordinating the upcoming trip was also at the symposium and is encouraged by the positive interaction of the senior Iraqi NCO leadership. "It's encouraging to see all the Iraqis gathered together here to discuss issues important to their enlisted Soldiers," he said.
The week-long conference included sessions covering topics like finance, administration, ethics and training. It included laying the groundwork for an Iraqi sergeant major's academy.