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Virtual conference addresses challenges to Indo-Pacific armies in urban environments

Staff Sgt. Ondirae H. Abdullah-Robinson/U.S. Army Pacific

Army leaders from 26 nations across five continents joined the 44th Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) and the sixth Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum on November 16 and 17, 2020.

U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the Philippine Army hosted the event, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. USARPAC hosted from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and the Philippine Army hosted from its headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila. Other participants connected from their respective countries.

“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we agreed that this conference must continue,” said Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, USARPAC commanding general. “It provides a critical venue to strengthen relationships and build trust throughout the region.”

The theme was “Addressing Challenges to Indo-Pacific Armies in Urban Environments.”

“The theme is but a fitting concept for our collective resolve in defeating hybrid threats amid an evolving security landscape,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Philippine Army commanding general. “This convergence demonstrated a new result to mutually improve our respective armies. On top of this, we have accomplished our shared interests and commitments to pursue peace and develop in the region.”

In addition to COVID-19, the Indo-Pacific theater regularly experiences destructive natural disasters.

“As security practitioners, it’s critical for us to understand the challenges and mission requirements to successfully respond in the appropriate scope and scale in urban environments,” LaCamera said. “Our region has 21 megacities and other large urban areas that are exposed to severe earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding and other disasters.”

Separated into three plenaries, the conference featured subject matter experts from around the world addressing topics that supported the seminar’s urban-focused theme, including: emerging technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence and unmanned vehicles; interagency coordination, such as communication and coordination with civilian organizations; the aftereffects of urban operations, such as the role of armies in the phase of urban recovery operations; and the importance of working with civilian authorities and interagency partners in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.

“We particularly deepened our understanding of the complexities of peacekeeping operations and operating in urban environments and humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” Sobejana said.

IPAMS is the preeminent land forces engagement that allows senior-level officers (lieutenant colonel to major general, or national equivalent) from regional ground forces and security services to meet and discuss professional military subjects.

This year, the Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum was integrated into the IPAMS virtual venue and participants attended the same plenaries.

“While officers shape what objectives they expect to be accomplished, as NCOs, it is our duty to ensure that the mission is executed to standard in order to meet our commander’s intent,” said USARPAC command Sgt. Maj. Scott Brzak. “Most importantly, let’s not let this conversation end when the event is over.”

LaCamera said the strong relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines is built on decades of mutual respect and cooperation.

“Each of you represents the culture, traditions, and history of your nation,” LaCamera said during the seminar. “Your unique perspectives and experiences are most welcomed. Thank you all for your continued commitment to the security of this vital region. Together, we are united in preserving peace and stability, and ensuring a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

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