News from New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

For more information contact: MSG Corrine Lombardo (518) 786-4581 or (on site) (518) 225-6649

National Guard Senior Noncommissioned Officers Meet in Saratoga Springs

Media Advisory

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (04/16/2008; 0800)(readMedia)-- The most senior enlisted Soldiers and Airmen from the 54 State and territorial National Guards will hold their first national meeting April 18 to April 21 in Saratoga Springs. The event will allow these senior enlisted leaders, who provide critical advice to their State National Guard commanders, the opportunity to learn from each other and from experts on training and leadership.

WHO: Senior Enlisted Leaders from National Guards of 50 states, three territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the American Virgin Islands) and the District of Columbia.

WHAT: First ever National Guard Joint State Senior Enlisted Seminar. Media opportunities include an opening ceremony in the morning on April 18, a sit-down interview with New York National Guard Command Sergeant Major Robert Van Pelt, and National Guard Command Sergeant Major David Hudson on April 18, a vendors display area featuring exhibits from manufacturers of military equipment, and a practical demonstration of non-lethal weapons on April 20. Non-lethal weapons, which can stop, stun, or incapacitate their targets without killing, are being made available to National Guard units for use in riot situations.

WHEN:

April 18, 8 am: Opening Ceremony and welcoming remarks from New York Adjutant General Major General Joseph Taluto.

April 18, 1:30 p.m: Interview opportunity with National Guard Command Sergeant Major David Hudson and New York National Guard Command Sergeant Major Robert Van Pelt at New York State Military History Museum

April 20, 9 a.m. :Non-lethal weapons demonstration for meeting attendees at the Saratoga PBA Range,Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

WHERE: Saratoga Springs Hotel and Convention Center, Saratoga PBA Range, and New York State Military History Museum, Saratoga Springs.

BACKGROUND: Army Command Sergeants Major and Air Force Command Master Chiefs hold a special place in the United States Military.

In the Army the Command Sergeant Major at the battalion, brigade, division, corps and higher levels, is the enlisted leader with direct access to the officer, from Lieutenant Colonel to General, who commands that formation. The Command Sergeant Major and the unit Commander form a command team, with the top NCO providing advice and guidance to the commander on enlisted issues, and acting as a trusted set of eyes and ears to survey the status of the command and report back. At every level of command an officer has a very experienced senior NCO to rely on. The same holds true in the Air Force.

The event being held in Saratoga Springs marks the first time these top National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have met as a group.

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