COLUMBUS, Ga. — U.S. Army Central and Third Army saw senior leaders from across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility come together September 14 to discuss regional security during ARCENT’s Land Forces Commander’s Conference.
Hosted by Lt. Gen. Kevin Leahy, the ARCENT commanding general, the LFCC delved into a myriad of regional security challenges as well as synchronized operations, activities and partnership through bilateral engagements.
“It is my honor to host you today,” Leahy said during the event’s opening. “This incredible assembly of senior leadership is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to regional stability.”
More than 10 partner nations were represented during this year’s event, with many represented by returning participants who provided invaluable input and theater-level context. Primary topics of discussion included enduring posture and operational access, driving layered multi-domain integration, readiness, sustainment and materiel acquisition, and anchoring strategic partnerships during great power competition.
Discussion panels were led by subject matter experts in each of the Army’s warfighting functions, which served to ensure seamless situational understanding across the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
“What we’ll be asked to do is uncertain, but we can be 100 percent certain who we’re going to do it with, and where we’re going to do it,” said Col. Stuart Peebles, ARCENT’s chief of security cooperation.
Each panel featured a question-and-answer session and, separately, attendees were afforded the opportunity to engage one another informally where ideas, guidance and future planning efforts were discussed.
“It’s exciting to have people from all around the world traveling to Columbus and Fort Benning,” Peebles said. “Modern warfare is getting more difficult, and we can’t do it by ourselves — we need partners.”
During separate bilateral discussions, senior leaders met to discuss various strategic themes, among them institutional professionalization and education, combined exercises, and joint interoperability.
As the LFCC closed, ARCENT senior leaders expressed gratitude to those who were able to travel such long distances to attend.
“I appreciate everyone coming,” Leahy said during his closing remarks. “This is an important part of our relationships and our ongoing ability to work and operate together.”
Conferences such as the LFCC are important to the Army because they provide senior leaders from across the CENTCOM area of responsibility a dedicated forum to share perspectives, align priorities, and strengthen professional relationships. In addition to formal sessions, direct engagements during such gatherings reinforce trust, collaboration, and the professional dialogue necessary to sustain an effective and ready force.
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