LANPAC 2026 Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum

HONOLULU — Senior enlisted leaders from across the Indo-Pacific gather during the Land Forces Pacific 2026 Symposium and Exposition to discuss how noncommissioned officers continue shaping the future force by developing junior leaders, fostering adaptability, and turning modernization efforts into action, May 12-15.

The Senior Enlisted Leadership Forum brought together command sergeants major and senior enlisted advisors from allied and partner nations from the Pacific theater. SELF is a series of discussions focused on leadership, professional development, and the evolving role of NCOs in modern military operations.

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized that senior NCOs remain the driving force behind organizational progress. Adapting formations to the emerging challenges while mentoring the next generation of leaders to carry the mission forward.

As militaries across the Indo-Pacific modernize to meet increasingly complex operational demands, senior enlisted leaders emphasized the importance of modern technologies while enforcing the concept that transformation begins with people, not equipment.

“The core duties and responsibilities of a noncommissioned officer are standards and discipline,” Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Schmidt, command sergeant major of U.S. Army Pacific, said. “If you are not building individual readiness, an officer can plug into the collective training plan; all the new things in the world are not going to aid you.”

Panels throughout the forum explored topics such as leader development, championing change, and building partnerships for collective transformation.

Participants in SELF represent nations across the Pacific who have come together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and synchronize efforts across allied and partner forces. The forum provides a venue for leaders to discuss common challenges and enhance interoperability.

On day one, the participants toured a U.S. Army Logistics Support Vessel, gaining firsthand insight into the Army’s maritime sustainment capabilities and the critical role it plays in supporting operations in the Indo-Pacific. The visit also provided leaders with an opportunity to learn about U.S. Army education programs and specialized training opportunities available to partner nations. These programs include the Northern Warfare Training Center, the Combat Diver Qualification Course, and the Lightning Academy, located in Hawaii. The day ended with a tour of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. DPAA is the organization responsible for finding, accounting for, and returning fallen U.S. service members.

“That was an amazing set of people with an amazing set of skills,” New Zealand Warrant Officer Class One Carl Fairbairn said. “That is the best example of a country taking care of soldiers, repatriating service member remains from World War II to today. I think this forum is about establishing connections, getting to know fellow senior leaders across all the nations, and finding a common thread to connect as allies. I am definitely doing so here.”

During a panel discussion on day two, Command Sergeants Major from the U.S. Army, the Marine Corps, and the British and Australian Armies discussed the role of senior NCOs in driving continuous transformation. Key topics include creating an environment that encourages service members to experiment, take initiative, and learn from failure.

Panel members shared advice and life lessons, encouraging leaders to trust their subordinates and provide space for growth.

“Because our soldiers are bright, we want them to focus on what they can control and not on what they can't,” said British Army Warrant Officer First Class John Miller. “Make them understand the threat and urgency of the environment they are operating in and their part in the plan. Soldiers will do what they do best: problem solve. That's how you get bottom-up innovation to deliver mission success.”

SELF provided a dedicated forum for enlisted leaders to address the human dimension of modernization and readiness. While giving senior leaders a platform to share experiences gained while serving in the Indo-Pacific theater. This forum is also vital for NCOs to gain clear insight into the direction the NCO Corps is headed.

The LANPAC Symposium and Exposition is one of the region’s largest gatherings of military professionals, defense industry leaders, and partner nations, focused on land power and security cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific.