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Africa’s premier senior enlisted course gains momentum (1) of (2)

Sergeants Maj. Jerryn McCarroll and Ron La Fond present the Top Student award to Staff Sgt. Tiwonge Munthali, Malawi Defence Force, at the Peace Support Building, Malawi Armed Forces College, Salima, Malawi Nov. 14. Earning an academic 95 percent grade point average, Munthali distinguished herself as the top honor graduate. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Warrant Officer Linda Chikondi)

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Africa’s premier senior enlisted course gains momentum (2) of (2)

Malawi Sergeants Major Course graduates pose for a class photo Nov. 14 outside the Peace Support building, Malawi Armed Forces College, Salima, Malawi. The graduates are the second group of Malawi Defence Force soldiers to attend the course. Top students were selected from both courses be instructors for future courses. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. Maj. Ron La Fond)

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U.S. Army Africa’s senior noncommissioned officers take a step back as Malawi Defence Force soldiers take charge instructing their own at the Malawi Sergeants Major Course, located in the city of Salima, Malawi. The course began in January 2014 and is in its third iteration.

The course graduated 47 MDF senior noncommissioned officers from infantry and administrative backgrounds, of which seven will serve as instructors and managers of future courses.

According to USARAF’s NCO Education System Program managers Sergeants Maj. Jerryn McCarroll and Ron La Fond, many graduates have since reported to their units to implement newfound knowledge into their organizations.

“We can say with confidence that although the course is in its infancy, it continues to evolve at a pace that is feasible for the MDF and its leaders,” said La Fond.

The seven selected MDF personnel are currently working with USARAF advisors to write, develop, and revise current training support packages for the course. Changes and additions were made to course curriculum to increase professionalism and understanding among attendees.

“Instructors are extremely motivated and are eager to see how far the course will develop and how the knowledge will help strengthen them and their NCO corps in the future,” said McCarroll.

Success of the course has attracted the attention of many U.S. Army institutions, such as the Sergeants Major Academy, Training and Doctrine Command, Army Center for Strategic Studies, and Combined Arms Center.

It has also grabbed the attention of the new MDF Chief of Defense, Gen. Ignacio Malauna, who is an avid supporter of NCO professional development.