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CMC and DGIMS Brief NATO National Command Senior Enlisted Leaders
19 January 2026
2 MIN READ
Brussels, NATO HQ, 19 January 2026 – The NATO National Command Senior Enlisted Leaders (CSEL) visited NATO Headquarters during the 3rd NATO National CSEL Symposium. While in Brussels, they were briefed by the Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and the Director General of the International Military Staff (DGIMS), Lieutenant General Remigijus Baltrėnas. Leitmotiv of the briefings was the importance NATO places on Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and their unique position in tactical levels for training and maintaining the utmost readiness of NATO troops.
On NCOs relevant role, CMC emphasised that “Your insights shape training realism, readiness assessments, discipline, and moral resilience. You detect problems often before they reach the formal chain of command. In a prolonged war, early detection can mean survival.” He also added that: “NATO’s credibility depends on whether soldiers can fight tonight, not just plan for tomorrow.”
Next, the CSEL heard from DGIMS on a specific, requested topic: how the NATO International Military Staff (IMS) supports the Military Committee decisions and implementation of those decisions. Giving a broad overview, he stated, “The role of the IMS is to provide the best possible strategic military advice and staff support for the Military Committee (MC).” On more practical levels, he added, “It is responsible for preparing assessments, studies on NATO military issues identifying areas of strategic and operational interest, and proposing courses of action.”
Hosted by Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, the CSEL Symposium provides NATO NCOs with a vital platform to learn and engage on the importance of NATO continuing to train, educate, develop, mentor, and lead. Additionally, it enhances collaboration in order to support Alliance commanders in their decision-making using the best judgment and experience NCOs provide.