FORT SILL, Okla.-- The 2012 Fires Seminar runs May 14-18 at Cameron University and Fort Sill. About 700 people are expected to attend the annual seminar, which is the summit of the field artillery and air defense artillery communities.
This year's theme is "Shaping Fires for 2020: Fires in Support of America's Force of Decisive Action."
"It's a great event, whether you're just starting out your career in Fires, or you're a seasoned leader," said John Dorsey, Fires Center of Excellence Strategic Communications senior knowledge management adviser. "If you want to know what's going on at the Fires Center of Excellence, in the Fires field, now and all the way to 2020, you simply can't miss the event."
Presenters will examine three topics in depth: (1) "Prevent, Shape, Win: Employing Offensive and Defensive Fires to meet the Army's strategic imperatives for Joint Force of 2020," (2) "Fires in Decisive Action: Developing capabilities required to win the next fight," and (3) "Fires Leader Development: Developing Fires leaders committed to the Army Profession, and capable of supporting a range of missions from mud to space."
Maj. Gen. Mark McDonald, the new Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general, will open the seminar with welcoming remarks May 15. He will also present the next day on the "FCoE State of Fires," and unveil the new Fires brand.
Senior leaders scheduled to speak include retired Gen. John Abizaid, former U.S. Central Command commander; Gen. Robert Cone, Training and Doctrine Command commanding general; Gen. James Amos, Marine Corps commandant; Brig. Gen. Brian McKiernan, FA School commandant and chief of FA; and Col. Daniel Karbler, ADA School commandant and chief of ADA.
About 50 vendors ranging from large defense contractors to small businesses to a couple Army program offices will showcase their hardware and services during the week, Dorsey said.
All of the heavy hitters will be there including BAE, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, he said. There will also be many small businesses who provide services to Fort Sill and Soldiers, such as ESS goggles, and ALATEC technical services.
Military vehicles and equipment will be on display in front of CU's McMahon Centennial Complex. Vendors will also have indoor booths at the university's fitness center, Dorsey said. And, vendors will provide lunch for registered participants so they can eat, peruse booths and meet with vendors.
As part of the seminar, two historical events will take place at Fort Sill. The Fort Sill Marine Corps Field Artillery Detachment will celebrate its 60th anniversary here May 16, and the 6th ADA Brigade will reflag as the 30th ADA Brigade May 18. Both events will be open to the public.
There will also be numerous social events including receptions, breakfasts, dinners, a golf tournament and a brigade run.
Interested people who are unable to come to Fort Sill are encouraged to participate in the Fires Seminar online through Defense Connect Online. Virtual attendees will be able to ask questions in real time, Dorsey said.
All of the briefings at McMahon Centennial Complex will be available online, however, some of the breakout sessions may not. The seminar schedule lists all presentations, and which ones can be attended virtually.
For complete seminar information including registration, visit http://sill-www.army.mil/fs/2012/index.html or call Lt. Col. Vincent Bailey at 558-0114 or Lt. Col. Todd Wasmund at 442-3944.
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