Induction Ceremony of the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the Latvian National Defence Forces into the CSEL Virtual Hall of Fame

On 30th November, prior to the Graduation Ceremony of the third Command Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Course (CSELC), the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) hosted the second Induction Ceremony of the Command Senior Enlisted Leaders' (CSEL) Virtual Hall of Fame.

Virtual CSEL Hall of Fame is established to provide a prestigious and visible means of recognition to Graduates of BALTDEFCOL, who have attained through military merit, the highest NCO position in their Nation's armed forces in capacities of (acting) National CSEL, or who have held the equivalent position within NATO Command Structure (NCS) and/or NATO Force Structure (NFS) while supporting three (3) and/or four (4) star General Officer/Flag Officer in capacities of the CSEL of the respective organization.

Sergeant Major Edgars Joksts-Bogdanovs, CSEL of the Latvian National Defence Forces is the second inductee of the BALTDEFCOL CSEL Virtual Hall of Fame. He is a graduate of the first edition of the Command Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Course in 2019. SGM Joksts-Bogdanovs was appointed to the position of Command Sergeant Major of the National Armed Forces in 2017. The same year, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major.

The ceremony was opened by the BALTDEFCOL Deputy Commandant/ Chief of Staff Colonel Dietmar Hartung (DEU A), who highlighted the importance of recognition of Course graduates. Following, Master Sergeant Arvis Mucenieks (LVA A) introduced Sergeant Major Joksts-Bogdanovs presenting his achievements during military service accenting his senior positions.

During his speech, Sergeant Major Edgards Joksts-Bogdanovs highlighted the importance of the Course as a valuable constituent of NCOs professional development by stressing that the knowledge gained in the Course is easily adaptable at every level. He also pointed out the multinational environment of the College, which is unique and also as an opportunity to create a network, which lasts after graduation supporting CSELs integrity.

The CSELC was launched in 2019 with the aim to fill the educational gap the Nations have and to prepare Command Senior Enlisted Leaders for the service in a National and Multinational environment on a strategic level.