Army leaders from 25 nations strengthen Indo-Pacific military partnerships

The seminar had a strong focus on practical cooperation, interoperability and regional partnerships.

New Zealand last hosted IPAMS in 2013 and the annual conference provides an opportunity for senior land power leaders to meet face to face and discuss with their Indo-Pacific counterparts on a wide range of topics affecting the region.

This year’s theme: “The Sum is Greater than the Parts: Security and Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific”, focused on how land forces can work together more effectively in an increasingly complex regional environment.

New Zealand last hosted this forum in 2013 and the strategic and operational environment has changed significantly since then.

NZ’s Deputy Chief of Army Brigadier Hamish Gibbons said one message had come through clearly, “No army can address the challenges of our region alone".

"Our collective strength comes from trusted relationships, the ability to work effectively together with a shared commitment to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.”

Discussions explored what interoperability means in practice, from professional development, training and command and control, through to sustainable equipment, information sharing and cultural understanding.

A particular focus was ensuring the perspectives of smaller South Pacific militaries were heard, including what they value from larger military partners.

Brigadier Gibbons said interoperability was not just having compatible equipment and systems.

“Interoperability is ultimately about people. We need to be able to communicate, train, plan and operate together effectively and build the trust and understanding that sits behind that.

"You want the relationships and ways of working established before a crisis occurs.”

Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Pacific, Lieutenant General Joel Vowell said: “Across this region, land forces are the backbone of deterrence, security cooperation, and the connective tissue that binds nations together.

"When our armies train, communicate, and plan collectively, we generate a deterrence effect that is far stronger than any individual nation could achieve alone.”

Senior enlisted leaders also contributed operational perspectives on readiness and resilience, and spouses took part in discussions on supporting military personnel and families.

Brigadier Gibbons said the value of the seminar would be reflected in what followed.

“We leave Auckland with stronger connections, a clearer understanding of our shared challenges, and we also go with a shared commitment to practical cooperation that keeps our forces prepared and contributes to the security and stability of our region.

“The objective is straightforward: to ensure our forces are prepared and able to work together when our governments and our communities need us to meet evolving challenges."

As customary, the conference flag was passed from this year’s host to next year’s host, Singapore, where the 51st IPAMS will share the stage with the bi-annual Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference.