Summary: We have scheduled a DODLive Bloggers Roundtable with Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph R. Beam, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan/Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan for Thursday Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. EDT. Beam will discuss how Non-commissioned officers (NCO) are the "backbone" of any strong military force and how Afghans along with NATO trainers and advisors are playing a crucial role in the development of NCO's. Because of the rapid growth of the Afghan National Army (ANA) it takes dedicated, high-quality NCOs to lead these troops. Training such as the ANA sergeants major academy, first sergeants course and Team Leader courses are critical in the development of NCO's and transitioning Afghanistan to its own security forces. Read Transcript
