The Regimental Sergeant Majors' Convention took place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in late April, welcoming colleagues from across the world.
The flashes of a Canadian Solider present at the Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention.
The Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention which was held on 22 April 2026 at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Army Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Miller at the Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention.
The Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention which was held on 22 April 2026 at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Attendees included partners from NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, a group of countries that work together for shared security) and the Five Eyes community, a group of five countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) that work closely together and share intelligence. Colleagues from across UK Defence also attended.
"You cannot issue grit, resilience and professional excellence in the FUP (forming up point), you must build it before you get there, and this is what the next few days is all about.”
Army Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) John Miller, based at Army Headquarters in Andover, organised the event and set the tone, saying:
"You cannot issue grit, resilience and professional excellence in the FUP (Forming Up Point), you must build it before you get there, and this is what the next few days is all about.”
After the convention ended, WO1 Miller said:
"Building on the success of last year, we had 248 Regimental Sergeant Majors attending, plus seven Army Sergeant Majors from across the world and two Sergeant Majors from Spain and Italy. There were also Command Warrant Officers from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command and the Royal Marines, all sharing ideas on how we can build excellence across the Army."
"We will be alongside our NATO partners, so our ability to work effectively together through shared learning is vital."
The convention helped prepare personnel for a major NATO military exercise designed to test and strengthen the Alliance's ability to defend against threats. It gave attendees a clearer picture of how Russia fights and what that means for their organisations.
"We will never fight alone," said WO1 Miller. "We will be alongside our NATO partners, so our ability to work effectively together through shared learning is vital."
The first day included briefings from intelligence experts, analysis from the Centre of Historical Analysis and Conflict Research on Russian tactics, and updates on NATO missions and Army readiness.
"Sharing ideas helps us integrate technology which boosts our fighting power at every level. Regimental Sergeant Majors are vital in driving this forward while ensuring the tactical fundamentals provide a strong foundation."
"Our mission partners bring unique perspectives," explained WO1 Miller. "Sharing ideas helps us integrate technology which boosts our fighting power at every level. Regimental Sergeant Majors are vital in driving this forward while ensuring the tactical fundamentals provide a strong foundation."
The final two days focused on insights from the conflict in Ukraine and the British Army’s own validation lessons, new equipment and technology, and a practical checklist to support training. There were also stands displaying the latest body armour and other key equipment items. The convention also had a strong focus on looking after people's wellbeing, with the Army Benevolent Fund — a charity that supports soldiers and their families — present on the day.