HONOLULU – Representatives from the Indian Army, as well as more than 20 partnered and allied militaries, gathered to discuss the value of amphibious operations during the Pacific Amphibious Leadership Symposium, or PALS, in Honolulu, Hawaii, May 23, 2018.
One of the key themes discussed at this year’s symposium is logistical support to amphibious operations.
“Logistics is a major determinate in amphibious operations,” said India Brig. Gen. Arun Chaloli Gopinath, commander, Infantry Brigade India. “It’s important that we deal with this topic because it’s normally pushed under the carpet, but it will dictate the base of your amphibious operations, wherever you are.”
PALS was created to enhance amphibious operability and crisis response capabilities and mutual international relationships. The symposium is designed to foster greater stability and prosperity by facilitating multilateral/ bilateral discussions and engagements to plan, foster and encourage amphibious development.
“We’re sharing ideas with 22 [militaries], you can bet somebody is trying something new,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Force, Pacific. “So you can accelerate your learning, you can build your readiness if you are humble enough to accept other countries who are on the same path as you are, and that’s the whole purpose of this.”
The symposium brings together militaries with established amphibious capabilities, as well as those looking to further develop their own.
“In this symposium we have countries with fledgling capabilities, amphibious capabilities, as well as very established,” Gopinath said. “Each has gone through its own journey of establishing its capabilities and others are adapting to the situation, enhancing and honing their own capabilities. So participating in the symposium and interacting with today’s participants you know the journey which they have gone through.”