Photo By Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon | Col. Jiro Hiroe, left, speaks with Col. Paul D. Patterson Jan. 17 during the Marine...... read more read more
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CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Militaries that are equipped with advanced command and control systems have a powerful advantage over an opponent who does not. The information sent through these systems can save lives, move armies, and win wars.
The Marine WestPac Innovation Forum is held annually to assist in providing the best and latest command and control tools to the U.S. military.
U.S. service members, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members and civilian contractors gathered Jan. 17 at the Butler Officers' Club on Camp Foster to attend the fourth annual forum hosted by G-6, Communications, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
The forum was the culmination of months of planning efforts by the MEF G-6 staff and centered on the theme “Returning to the Pacific” after President Barack Obama's rebalancing of U.S. involvement in the Asia-Pacific region.
Focusing on pertinent command and control requirements, communication events and new technologies, the forum was an all-day event with many exhibits and demonstrations.
Brig. Gen. Craig Q. Timberlake, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general and III MEF deputy commanding general, opened the forum.
“Thank you all for coming out here,” said Timberlake. “I would especially like to welcome our Japanese counterparts. You being here today demonstrates the value of security cooperation and our combined effort in this forum.”
General officers throughout the region flew to Okinawa to attend the forum, and numerous guests from both military and civilian agencies took time to speak about their contributions to further and protect command and control capabilities.
“Networking with our allies is key,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Arthur Allen III, the communications chief for G-6, Communications, III MEF. “We can focus on today's challenges here together.”
The forum assembled the disciplines and skills of professionals of all ranks throughout the communications field, according to Allen.
“It's exciting to see the junior Marines and service members, the people who are in the field making it all happen, interacting with the colonels and generals and exchanging their knowledge,” said Allen. “It's a one team effort.”
One of the major events that took place during the forum was the joint senior leaders’ discussion panel, which gave service members a chance to share their thoughts and ideas with senior leaders in the communications field.
“I think it is very important for us to meet face to face like this,” said Col. Jiro Hiroe the commanding officer of the Western Army Signal Group of the JGSDF. “It allows us to get to know each other's strengths and capabilities and increase interoperability between our forces. I wish to see these forums continue in the future.”
| Date Taken: | 01.17.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 01.31.2013 19:36 |
| Story ID: | 101313 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 260 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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