Raising the voice of Non-Commissioned Members: A recap of an international seminar and conference

June 19, 2025 - Defence Stories

By: Capt F. Rousseau and SLt M. Katary, Public Affairs Officer, Osside Institute

From May 22 to 29, 2025, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), in partnership with the Directorate of Military Training and Cooperation (DICM) and the Defence Education Enhancement Program (DEEP), hosted an international seminar on the professionalization of non-commissioned members at the Chief Warrant Officer Robert Osside Profession of Arms Institute in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC.

This international seminar brought together 22 participants from 12 countries—including Georgia, Jordan, Tunisia, Singapore, and Ukraine—who shared best practices in training, professional development, and empowerment of non-commissioned members. The event was based on a simple yet strategic principle: to equip delegations with practical tools to improve or adapt training programs for non-commissioned members in their respective countries.

Topics covered included:

• Military training;
• Leadership development among non-commissioned members;
• Interoperability; and
• Adapting to new technological and strategic realities of future warfare.

Colonel Capinguian from the Philippines emphasized a crucial aspect: “Emotional intelligence should be integrated not only into education but also into learning techniques to add a more human dimension to training.” This view was supported by Colonel Mosquera from Colombia, who stressed the need for comprehensive pedagogical approaches tailored to contemporary challenges.

The Non-Commissioned Officers’ Conference: a highlight

At the heart of the seminar, the 2025 Non-Commissioned Officers’ Conference, held on May 26, was a highlight of the week. Open to all CAF members, this inaugural event attracted over 120 in-person attendees and 651 online connections via Microsoft Teams, representing more than 18 countries.

Three panels of military and academic experts explored under-discussed issues: the professionalization of non-commissioned officers, their growing role in operational leadership, and the challenges of integrating new technologies in future conflicts.

Lieutenant Maynard from the Barbados Defence Force shared a widely felt observation: “This conference made me realize that Barbados is not alone in facing the challenge of professionalizing non-commissioned officers. Many countries around the world face the same issue.”

This initiative meets a growing need to recognize the central role of non-commissioned members in designing, executing, and adapting modern operations.

A rich experience on all levels

Beyond formal sessions, participants enjoyed a cultural program to discover Quebec: visits to Montreal’s Old Port, tasting local specialties—including the iconic poutine—and adapting to the changing spring weather of rain, wind, and sun.

By bringing together committed actors around a common goal—the professionalization of non-commissioned members—this seminar and conference laid the foundation for a lasting international dialogue. All participants expressed strong interest in continuing this initiative, with a follow-up event planned for 2026.