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STAND-TO! Edition: Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Today's Focus:

U.S. Army and Colombian Army Staff Talks

SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING

"Ours is not an easy profession and it's equally difficult for the families who support us. Our people are what make the U.S. Army the greatest in the world and we owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay. But with the Army Family Action Plan, we can listen to their concerns and do our best to address them."

- Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson, Eighth Army commanding general, emphasizes that the the Army Family Action Plan Conference, to be held April 3 - 7 at Yongsan Garrison, will enable leaders to take action on issues that directly affect the morale and quality of life of Soldiers, civilian employees and family members in Korea.

Eighth Army to hold AFAP Conference in Korea

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"Elvis is known throughout the world. So, if you have an American Soldier dressed as Elvis jumping in with the Japanese soldiers and mingling, it gets a rise out of the U.S. Soldiers and the Japanese soldiers as well."

- Spc. Gerard White, one of the 70 Soldiers chosen from I Corps to augment the U.S. Army Pacific's premier bilateral training exercise with Japan's Ground Self Defense Force, Yama Sakura 59 taking place this year in Kumamoto, Japan.

Army officer, Elvis impersonator introduces American cultural icon to Japan

TODAY'S FOCUS

U.S. Army and Colombian Army Staff Talks

What is it?

U.S. Army South, as the Army's Executive Agent, will conduct bilateral staff talks with the Colombian Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Feb. 1-4. The U.S. Army Staff Talks Program serves as a bilateral engagement for military discussion between respective armies. The Staff Talks Program seeks to promote bilateral efforts in order to develop professional partnerships and increase interaction between partner nation armies. The engagements enhance army-to-army contacts and mutual understanding, providing the partner nation armies with insights concerning specific U.S. Army programs, areas of mutual interest, and assisting partner nation armies in areas of modernization or reform. The overall objective of the U.S. Army Staff Talks Program in Latin America is to promote peace and stability in Central and South America, and the Caribbean through mutual understanding, partnership, and cooperation.

What has the Army done?

The U.S. Army has engaged in annual bilateral staff talks with the Colombian Army beginning in November 2009. This meeting marks the second time the two armies meet for staff talks. The meeting scheduled for 2010 was postponed due to U.S. Army South's involvement in Operation United Response. The staff talks have been instrumental in enhancing the interoperability and cooperation between the two armies, which have contributed to increased stability in the region.

What efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The goal during the staff talks is to develop a bilateral engagement plan with the Colombian Army which continues to strengthen their relationship with the U.S. Army. The two armies will bilaterally develop knowledge, capabilities, and support of current and future peace-keeping operations. The U.S. Army will continue to support the Colombian Army's effort to serve as an active leader in the region as they further trade, protect human rights, and promote peace and stability.

Why is this important to the Army?

The U.S. Army's capabilities in the region are greatly influenced by the partnerships forged with partner nation armies. Strengthening the relationship with the Colombian Army through these talks will have lasting effects on the peace and stability of the region. With their highly capable military and law enforcement agencies serving as models of professionalism, Colombia is a key player in enhancing security in the region.

Resources:

US Army South

US Army South web page on Army.Mil

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