While the rest of the College was making final preparations for the Annual Conference on Russia 2026, an international team gathered at the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) to launch planning for the Command Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Course (CSELC) 2026.

Graduates from Ireland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania collaborated on course design and development. The team focused on reviewing the course concept, refining modules, drafting lesson plans, and allocating key staff responsibilities.

CSM Alvydas Tamošiūnas (LTU AF), Director of CSELC, stated: “The year 2026 marks a distinct transitional period due to the change of CSELC Directors. My task is to prepare the course, while the incoming CD, CSM Didzis Baltiņš (LVA A), will be responsible for delivering CSELC 2026. Throughout this transition, our shared goal is to ensure that course quality remains uncompromised. This IPW is the first critical meeting of the course staff and sets the tone for the success of the entire course. All staff members are graduates from different iterations, providing an excellent blend of perspectives and a strong collective understanding of the course’s evolution. This workshop, therefore, establishes the foundation for working together towards common objectives and successful course delivery.”

CSM Didzis Baltiņš, the incoming CSELC Course Director, expressed his sincere appreciation to CSM Alvydas Tamošiūnas for leading the planning effort and ensuring a smooth handover during this transitional year. As the incoming Director, he reaffirmed his full commitment to maintaining the highest standards of the course while supporting necessary adaptation in response to rapidly evolving challenges.

BG Alvydas Šiuparis, Commandant of BALTDEFCOL, met with the workshop participants and conveyed his support and best wishes for their work as they begin preparations for the 2026 course. The Commandant stated that NCOs are a vital component of every military: “Therefore, we must ensure that those serving at the highest levels are as well-educated as our senior officers. The quality of this well-known and highly regarded CSELC course depends directly on you—on the professionalism of the course staff. I encourage you to have a constructive and fruitful workshop, to learn from one another and from the course leadership, and to share your expertise and experience.”

The CSELC aims to prepare Command Senior Enlisted Leaders to effectively advise, support, and enhance strategic-level leadership in making informed decisions to address anticipated political and security challenges within the dynamic and complex Baltic Sea regional environment.

BALTDEFCOL wishes the team success in their continued preparations and looks forward to welcoming CSELC 2026 in early autumn.