HONOLULU-After three days of collaborative panel discussions on peace, stability and mutual security, along with multiple displays of leading-edge technology, the fourth annual Land Forces Pacific Symposium and Exhibition in Honolulu came to a close, May 26.
With more than 1,600 attendees and nearly 80 industry representatives with interactive displays, 2016 LANPAC continued to show steady growth since its debut in 2013 with 590 in attendance. Twenty-six nations were represented this year at LANPAC, which is more than half of the U.S. regional partners in Indo-Asia Pacific region.
LANPAC is a professional development forum sponsored by the Association of the United States Army Institute of Land Warfare. The symposium and exhibition provided unique opportunities, through panel discussions, for U.S. Army, Department of State, joint and regional partners to discuss the critical roles of the Pacific land forces located in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.
"You don't want to develop a relationship after a crisis, it may be a little late at that point," said U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General, Gen. Robert B. Brown. Here, we get to share common challenges and we get to develop solutions together, and you develop these relationships that will pay off in the times of crisis. And so far you can tell it has paid off. I haven't heard dialog this good in my 35 years of going to events like LANPAC."
Brown also said that teamwork was necessary and critical to ensure everyone is successful throughout the Pacific. He summed up the importance of events like LANPAC using a football analogy.
"Coaches are going to talk plays and strategies, but you have to get on the field at some point," said Brown in reference to LANPAC to a small group of reporters. "You have to scrimmage and work together. It's the same way you got to talk and get the issues out. It's absolutely critical and it binds us with our partners. We're committed and we know our regional partners are committed to peace and prosperity in the Pacific region. Some things you can do from a distance, but there's nothing like being face-to-face in solving challenges and problems."
The theme for this year's LANPAC, "Assuring Stability and Security-Strengthening Land Force Teams," emphasized the purpose of land forces in the Pacific. Brown emphasized that land forces in the Pacific face a complex region with unconventional threats that cross national borders.
"We are all walking away from this symposium inspired to continue the great progress we are achieving in this region where dialog and mutual support are on the rise," said Brown. "We have a better appreciation for our shared interests, shared challenges, and our shared future. And the friendships we established and strengthened these last few days will be the seeds for our continued and close cooperation in the days to come."
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