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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

More than 50 senior enlisted leaders from the U.S. and 30 African countries convened in Lilongwe, Malawi Sept. 9-13 for the 6th annual Africa Senior Enlisted Leader Conference, held for only the second time on the continent.

“This conference, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, marks a historic milestone not only for the Malawi Defence Force and Malawi, but also all the esteemed senior enlisted leaders from across our great continent,” said Gen. Dr. Paul V. Phiri, Commander, Malawi Defence Force.

Hosted by the Malawi Defence Forces and U.S. Africa Command, the conference provides a forum for senior noncommissioned officers to share best practices, discuss challenges, and strengthen partnerships. Through briefings and breakout sessions, senior NCOs will hear how others militaries are developing their NCO corps, and have the opportunity to work together on ways they might improve current programs.

“We are deeply honored that you have chosen our nation—the Warm Heart of Africa, to be the canvas upon which this event unfolds,” Phiri said. “As we commence our discussions this morning let us use this opportunity to exchange insights, share best practices, and develop strategies that will enhance our collective security efforts. It is my sincere hope that we recognize the importance of open and constructive dialogue as a means to strengthen our partnerships, build trust, and forge enduring bonds of friendship.”

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Troy E. Black also attended the conference and stressed the importance of developing noncommissioned officers.

"The more we educate our enlisted force," Black said, "the better we can unencumber the officer force to get after the strategic missions."

Participating countries heard from U.S., NATO and partners about new developments in service NCO academies, and progress made in strengthening programs in each other’s countries. Breakout sessions will allow participants to have more in-depth discussions on the topics brought up in plenary.

In an effort to support countries on its southern flank, NATO established agreements with Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia, and is looking to support African countries in developing their NCO corps as well.

Sgt. Maj. Ludek Kolesa, NATO Defence Education Enhancement Programme Non-Commissioned Officer Coordinator, shared information during the conference about how the program can help support African partner nations’ efforts in developing their NCO corps. 

The DEEP program established an NCO working group to help develop professional military education programs at partners’ requests. The program also helps identify areas that specifically need development and modernization to support their country’s priorities. NATO also offers NCO Corps Professional Development as a vector for transformation of respective countries' military organizations in order to emphasize the importance of having a professional NCO Corps.

Through the theme of, “The Competent, Capable and Credible NCO,” this year’s senior enlisted conference provides the opportunity to bring the leaders of partner militaries together to expand and deepen relationships, and support partner senior NCOs in developing programs to build leadership, proficiency and resiliency among their NCO corps.

"Each of us here represents our nation's Profession of Arms," Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Africa Command said. 

"This conference is about bringing Senior Non-Commissioned Officers together to discuss our shared interests and gain unique insight from each other. We will have an open dialogue, where every perspective is considered, and every opinion is welcomed."

Last year's event was held in Lusaka, Zambia.

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