FORSCOM commander delivers keynote at inaugural Warfighter Summit and Exposition

By MAJ Javon Starnes, FORSCOM Public AffairsJuly 27, 2022

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Gen. Andrew P. Poppas, Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command, provided opening remarks at the inaugural Association of the U.S. Army Warfighter Summit and Exposition in Fayetteville, NC today. The two-day event is currently taking place at the Crown Complex and focuses on the warfighter.

Gen. Robert Brown, AUSA President and CEO, provides welcome comments at the Inaugural AUSA Warfighter Expo and Summit at the Fayetteville, NC, Crown Complex, July 27.  The theme of the two-day summit is “America’s Response Force: Ready Today, Ready Tomorrow.”
Gen. Robert Brown, AUSA President and CEO, provides welcome comments at the Inaugural AUSA Warfighter Expo and Summit at the Fayetteville, NC, Crown Complex, July 27. The theme of the two-day summit is “America’s Response Force: Ready Today, Ready Tomorrow.” (Photo Credit: FORSCOM PUBLIC AFFAIRS) VIEW ORIGINAL

During his keynote, Poppas opened with a specific message to junior soldiers.

“I especially want to welcome those in the audience who are at the Soldier level,” Poppas said. “This is your event – Gen. [Robert] Brown [AUSA President and CEO] touched upon that.

“So hence the name: Warfighter," Poppas continued. "What we’re going to talk about over the next two days during this symposium are the things we do to be ready to fight and win our nation’s wars because that is what the warfighters do.”

Gen. Andrew Poppas, FORSCOM Commanding General, provides opening keynote remarks at the Inaugural AUSA Warfighter Expo and Summit at the Fayetteville, NC, Crown Complex, July 27.  The theme of the two-day summit is “America’s Response Force: Ready Today, Ready Tomorrow.”
Gen. Andrew Poppas, FORSCOM Commanding General, provides opening keynote remarks at the Inaugural AUSA Warfighter Expo and Summit at the Fayetteville, NC, Crown Complex, July 27. The theme of the two-day summit is “America’s Response Force: Ready Today, Ready Tomorrow.” (Photo Credit: Javon Starnes) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORSCOM and its warfighters continue to provide unwavering commitment to extended deterrence while maintaining confidence in the ability to defend themselves and Allies.

Poppas credits FORSCOM warfighters for delivering more than 124,000 Americans, allies, and partners to safety during Operation Allies Refuge, the largest non-combatant evacuation in FORSCOM’s history. He also highlighted the 18th Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division’s ability to rapidly provide support in Europe.

“In the span of 158 days, this shows the strength of our Army, the Soldiers at Fort Bragg they closed one chapter of an American warfighting experience. All while they took the first major steps toward deterring the next,” he says.

The summit’s theme is “America’s Response Force: Ready Today, Ready Tomorrow.”

Gen. Andrew Poppas, FORSCOM Commanding General, provides opening keynote remarks at the Inaugural AUSA Warfighter Expo and Summit at the Fayetteville, NC, Crown Complex, July 27.  The theme of the two-day summit is “America’s Response Force: Ready Today, Ready Tomorrow.”
Gen. Andrew Poppas, FORSCOM Commanding General, provides opening keynote remarks at the Inaugural AUSA Warfighter Expo and Summit at the Fayetteville, NC, Crown Complex, July 27. The theme of the two-day summit is “America’s Response Force: Ready Today, Ready Tomorrow.” (Photo Credit: FORSCOM PUBLIC AFFAIRS) VIEW ORIGINAL

“We are in a time of change, so we as individuals and a formation must be ready for that change. It’s a time of innovation. That innovation in talent management, its innovation in technology, equipment, our doctrine, it’s our training methodology.” Poppas said. “Everything that we’re going to talk to today at Warfighter, it revolves around change because we are focused on the future, the future fight and preparation for such fight.”

Poppas reminded those in attendance to make the most of the two-day leader and professional development event. He encouraged Soldiers to participate in the battle challenge obstacle course and attend the summit’s second day events.

Those interested in attending the event can register onsite at the Fayetteville's Crown Complex, located at 1960 Coliseum Drive. The event ends tomorrow, July 28, with the closing remarks at 5 p.m.