Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers 2025 - CEANCO

Tallinn, Estonia - The 18th edition of the Conference of European Armies for Noncommissioned Officers (CEANCO), theannual event dedicated to bringing together the senior NCOs of the Armed Forces of NATO countries and partners. Representing the Italian Army was the First Lieutenant Michele Romanocurrent Army non-commissioned officer.

CEANCO is not just a technical conference, but an opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between different European military cultures, share operational experiences and enhance the strategic contribution of the intermediate figures in the chain of command: the NCOs. The central theme of the 2025 edition was the consolidation of military leadership in new, increasingly hybrid and technologically advanced warfare contexts.

In his speech, First Lieutenant Romano brought the Italian experience, highlighting the fundamental role of the Corps NCO within the departments: a key figure for cohesion, discipline, training and maintaining operational efficiency. His contribution was appreciated by the other participants as an example of a solid and growth-oriented professional model.

The themes of CEANCO 2025 - leadership, technology, future

During CEANCO 2025, representatives of the European Armed Forces addressed a wide range of strategic issues, many with a direct impact on the preparation and management of military personnel. These included, the 'mission command' - an operational concept that gives greater decision-making autonomy to subordinate commanders - was one of the most discussed, especially in relation to the need to adapt command structures to modern crisis scenarios.

Great attention was also paid to leadership: no longer just an attribute of officers, but a shared responsibility that fully involves NCOs. Those present reflected on the role of middle leaders in motivating young soldiers, managing human resources and intervening quickly in dynamic operational contexts.

Another key topic was the analysis of the Lessons Learned by ongoing conflicts, particularly the use of technologies such as drones, electronic warfare, cyber warfare and advanced surveillance systems. The speeches highlighted how these tools are profoundly changing the nature of combat and require continuous and realistic training to ensure combat readiness, i.e. the operational readiness of units.

These developments also require leading figures who can meet the new challenges with balance and vision. The Corps NCOin this context, is not only the custodian of military tradition and discipline, but also a facilitator of change, a promoter of initiatives for the psychological and social well-being of personnel, such as cultural and sporting activities, which strengthen esprit de corps.

The Italian Corps NCO between identity, cohesion and innovation

First Lieutenant Michele Romano's participation in CEANCO 2025 was, to all intents and purposes, a tangible testimony to the value and preparation of Italian NCOs in the international context. In an environment where synergy between allied nations is increasingly crucial for common security, the voice of the Italian Army NCO brought a contribution of experience, authority and strategic vision.

The NCO's role is not limited to supervising discipline or coordinating training. It is also a guardian of the values and morale of the unit, a reference point for young soldiers and those going through difficult times. In the daily life of the wards, it facilitates the integration of newly assigned personnel, looks after the welfare of the wounded, supports the families of the fallen, and promotes a healthy and motivating professional environment.

As also mentioned in the recent turnover in Brigade Folgore, the selection of the NCO is an act of trust coming from the top, based on unquestionable moral and professional qualities. He is an irreplaceable figure who acts in symbiosis with the commander to ensure that every soldier finds a cohesive, efficient and mission-ready environment in the department.

First Lieutenant Romano, in representing Italy at CEANCO, embodied these principles, showing how the professional identity of the Italian NCO is perfectly in tune with the needs of the modern armed forces: capable of innovating without losing touch with people, technologically advanced but humanly steadfast, prepared to fight but even more so to build cohesion.

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/ceanco_2025.aspx