CSM Michael Bartelle, SNCO ACO, welcomed the participants and announced Major General Rudy Wright, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, SHAPE who gave the Welcome Remarks with a short statement and a dialog with the participants about Leadership. "You should find out what has gone well, what is bad and learn from different mistakes. Furthermore, also learn from each other" he said.
After the Welcome Remarks CSM Bartelle gave a short brief insight into the military career of CWO (Mr. Gnr) Gino Moretti, MMM, CD, Canadian Army, former Command Sergeant Major Regional Command-South, ISAF, and granted him the floor.
CWO Gino Moretti said: "Professional Development is always enhancing our abilities as NCOs in the performance of our duties to the military and most of all to our soldiers. You have been entrusted with a great responsibility. The rank you wear sets you apart from other soldiers".
CWO Moretti added that the greatest challenge of Leaders is to develop other Leaders and you must learn more so that you can do more for your soldiers as well as prepare for higher rank and greater responsibility.
Towards the end he said: "Professional Development is a life-long standards-based competency driven process that is progressive and sequential; it complements institutional and operational experience".
CSM Bartelle thanked CWO Moretti for the inspiring brief and gave him a gift to commemorate SHAPE.