Tbilisi hosts prestigious European military conference

Senior enlisted leaders from 34 European Armies and the United States Army in Europe have come together in Tbilisi to build relationships and improve their Army’s non-commissioned corps.

Commissioned and non-commissioned service personnel from around the globe are in Georgia to attend the 8th annual conference of European Armies for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO), held from May 20-23 in Tbilisi.

During the three-day conference, participants will discuss current and future challenges facing their militaries, including the role of the NCO during force transformation, NCO professional development, NCO education, NCO evaluation and veteran care.

The conference, titled ‘The NCO’s Roles and Responsibilities in Future Security Challenges’ was held under the aegis of the US Army Europe and the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF).

GAF Sergeant Major Aluda Kopaliani, US Army Europe Command Sergeant Major David Davenport and Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy to Georgia Bridget Brink opened the conference earlier today.

Although many senior leaders wore different uniforms and spoke many different languages, their goal was the same - to improve their NCO corps.

During the conference, US representatives stressed the US Army's respect for the GAF. It praised the Georgian’s commitment and skill, which was demonstrated in its participation in the NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan. Particular mention was made to recognize the sacrifices made by Georgian soldiers and their families.

The first conference of European Armies for Non-Commissioned Officers was held in Grafenwoehr, Germany in 2007. The forum aimed to improve security and military capability among the forces of each host nation, and build cooperation and interoperability throughout the region.

Georgia has taken part in the conference since 2009.