Virginia, United States – Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Mathers, Allied Command Operations (ACO) Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) joined a Five Eyes (FVEY) panel to educate other Senior Enlisted Leaders from around the world in Norfolk, Virginia, June 13, 2022.
If knowledge is power, then shared knowledge is lethal. It's an absolute game changer when you look at it that way.
FVEY is an intelligence alliance between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. During the panel, participants at the Keystone Course based at the National Defense University had the opportunity to ask questions and receive advice from experienced international leaders.
The Keystone Course educates CSELs serving or slated to serve in a general or flag officer level headquarters. CWO Mathers used the opportunity to speak on the importance of NATO and the Alliance working together.
Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Mathers, Allied Command Operations (ACO) Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) joined a Five Eyes (FVEY) panel to educate other Senior Enlisted Leaders from around the world in Norfolk, Virginia, June 13, 2022. (NATO Photo by SSgt Kristin Savage)
Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Mathers, Allied Command Operations (ACO) Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) joined a Five Eyes (FVEY) panel to educate other Senior Enlisted Leaders from around the world in Norfolk, Virginia, June 13, 2022. (NATO Photo by SSgt Kristin Savage)
Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Mathers, Allied Command Operations (ACO) Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) joined a Five Eyes (FVEY) panel to educate other Senior Enlisted Leaders from around the world in Norfolk, Virginia, June 13, 2022. (NATO Photo by SSgt Kristin Savage)
"Collaboration and sharing information between nations has built relationships over time that complement each other. If knowledge is power, then shared knowledge is lethal. It's an absolute game changer when you look at it that way."
New Zealand and Australia attending the event was a unique opportunity not just for the students but for the representatives as well. Working and training alongside partner nations opens the door for stronger communication and relationships.
"Getting a seat at the table, it's important, having a voice at the table and being seen as a partner across the world and across our major coalition partners and Allies is important," said Warrant Officer Ken Robertson, Joint Operations Command Australia. "When working in an international environment, you gain experience in interoperability, we work together in stages of peace, so it doesn't become so complex when it comes to conflict."