29/03/2026
It has been a busy few weeks engaging with NATO and partner nations’ NCOs. The journey began in Romania, meeting with the Chief of Defence and engaging with Command Senior Enlisted Leaders (CSELs) across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Our discussions focused heavily on NCO training and development, specifically addressing the challenges of future warfare. We emphasized the urgency of modernization; innovation and new technology aren't "tomorrow’s problems"—they are today's requirements for combat readiness.
Next, I met with the Military Police community. The Military Police Centre of Excellence continues to do outstanding work, ensuring NATO MP CSELs are equipped with the most current operational intelligence.
Finally, I attended the inauguration of the International NCO Academy in Switzerland. While Switzerland has a long history of excellence, they are stepping into a much larger role. By integrating lessons learned and doctrine development into high-level leadership training, the Academy provides our leaders with the ultimate edge: the ability to out-think, out-pace, and out-last any adversary. Together, we are shifting our culture toward a "thinking and doing" model, developing NCOs who think like strategists and act like warriors.