U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christian L. Charkowski, right, presents a plaque to New Zealand Defence Force Commander Nigel Philpott at the Defence Force Command and Staff College, Wellington, New Zealand, Nov. 19, 2015. Charkowski is the first U.S. Marine and second U.S. service member to graduate from the college. He attended the Joint Warrant Officers’ Advanced Course, where the objectives were to prepare senior level leaders for senior strategic advisory positions, increase the students’ knowledge of regional security for the Southwest Pacific and provide the students with insight into the workings of the government. Charkowski, from Madison, Wisconsin, is the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Philpot, from Wellington, New Zealand, is the commandant of the Defence Force Command and Staff College. (Marine Corps. photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/Released)