CAHUL, Moldova - A Joint Mobile Training Team from Allied Joint Force Command Naples conducted a noncommissioned officer training course in Cahul, Moldova, May 23-27, 2016.

The training, which took place at the NCO Training Center in the city center of Cahul, focused on a variety of joint leadership topics, such as counseling, conflict management, leadership, stress management and ethics within a NATO joint environment.

The five-man JFC Naples JMTT, led by USA Army Sergeant First Class John Sutton, instructed an audience composed of Moldovan Army NCOs from multiple units across the country.

The JMTT visit kicked off with a welcome dinner hosted by Moldovan Army Colonel Iurie Bruma from the Armed Forces Military Academy and Army Major Ion Cozma, a staff officer from the Moldovan Ministry of Defense.

Col. Bruma stated the training presented benefited the students greatly and that use of leadership practical exercises and team building drills, combined with extensive open discussions concerning counseling and discipline, gave the students tools and knowledge that will vastly improve not only the NCO Corps but also the Moldovan Army Units these students go back to.

On top of the NCO Training Course, the training team also visited an elementary school in Cahul and met with children from the 1st and 2nd grade.  The children were excited to see individuals from France, Great Britain, and the U.S. as Warrant Officer Dean Betts entertained them with magic tricks and U.S. Petty Officer Second Class Christopher O’Neal posed for pictures.

The training was augmented with a translator that helped bridge any possible communication gaps or misunderstandings.

The visit concluded with discussions with Moldovan MoD staff members as they continue to build relations with NATO and look for ways to enhance their NCO Corps.