Leaders discuss Asia-Pacific region, future

Photo By Lance Cpl. Mike Granahan | Commanders and senior enlisted leaders from throughout III Marine Expeditionary Force listen as Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr. speaks at the annual III MEF commanders’ conference at the Ocean Breeze at Camp Foster Oct. 29. “We are flexible and can respond to any type of contingency,” said Glueck. “I am confident in our abilities and capabilities. We are only getting stronger.” Glueck is the commanding general of III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mike Granahan)  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.30.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Mike Granahan 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - III Marine Expeditionary Force leaders met for the annual III MEF commanders’ conference at the Ocean Breeze at Camp Foster Oct. 29-30.

Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., the commanding general of III MEF, opened the conference with a discussion detailing the importance of Marine Corps engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and reinforcing the commandant of the Marine Corps’ guidance to all Marines regarding sexual assault prevention, personal integrity, accountability, illegal drug use and hazing.

Senior leaders came together to discuss challenges and opportunities and to ensure everyone understands the commanding general’s intent, priorities and concerns, according to Col. Daniel J. Haas, the III MEF chief of staff.

“(III MEF) and Marine Corps Installations Pacific have a variety of responsibilities in the increasingly important Asia-Pacific region, and it’s important we come together and ensure we are all on the same page,” said Haas.

The expeditionary character and agility of III MEF must be maintained, according to Glueck.

“We can do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission, and that is why we are the response force of choice in this region,” said Glueck.

Marines in this part of the world are forward-deployed and must be prepared to respond quickly to a variety of situations, according to Haas.

“III MEF needs to maintain a high state of readiness in order to be able to respond to crises and contingencies while simultaneously executing multiple, overlapping exercises and engagements with our allies throughout the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility,” said Haas.

The commandant consistently refers to the Corps as a middleweight force, and III MEF embodies that principle, according to Glueck.

“We are flexible and can respond to any type of contingency,” said Glueck. “I am confident in our abilities and capabilities. We are only getting stronger.”

Commanders and senior enlisted leaders left the conference with the clear guidance and necessary knowledge to carry out the vision of their leadership and continue to keep the III MEF and MCIPAC team ready for any future operations.

• Date Taken: 10.30.2012
• Date Posted: 11.01.2012 00:23
• Story ID: 97099
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP