Armenians to meet with Kan. National Guard leaders

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two top military officers from the republic of Armenia are in Kansas this week to meet with senior National Guard leaders in Topeka and observe training in Salina.

The visit comes as Armenia's military transitions from a conscripted force to one with a professional noncommissioned officer corps. The Kansas National Guard has been joined with the former Soviet republic in a partnership program since 2003.

The program's director, Lt. Col. Brent Salmans, says the Armenian delegation will receive briefings in Topeka on the roles and responsibilities of noncommissioned staff officers.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Armenians will observe operations at the Great Plains Joint Training Center in Salina. They'll also visit the Officer Candidate School at the 235th Training Regiment.