The theme of LTG Wiercinski?s speech centered on the U.S. Army?s efforts in the Asia Pacific. He highlighted the importance of ?shaping? the strategic environment in the region through maintaining strong defense relationships and multilateral engagements, a function that he personally oversees. To this end, LTG Wiercinski identified co-operation in the area of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) as something that the United States can leverage on. In addition to gaining the trust of international partners, LTG Wiercinski also recognized the logistical difficulties of operating in the Asia Pacific region, due to its vast expanse and its distance away from the United States.
My key take-away from the session was the importance of open communications and transparency in order to balance the dynamics among key stakeholders in the Asia Pacific region, particularly between China and the United States. Establishing strong personal relationships among army leaders is a key strategy that the United States could concentrate on. The key challenge in forming these personal relationships is to understand the complexities and nuances of the Chinese culture, and how the Chinese approach international relationships. Understanding the Chinese culture requires a paradigm shift in thinking from what the United States might be familiar with, based on her experiences with the Soviet Union and in the Middle East. In this regard, LTG Wiercinski noted the usefulness of regional organizations like the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and events like the Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (PACC) in promoting understanding, dispelling rumors, and preventing miscalculations. However, as the student from Indonesia alluded to, a conscious effort is required to prevent such organizations from becoming mere talking shops and make a real impact on the stability in the region. More importantly, meeting the future challenges in the Asia Pacific requires the qualities that LTG Wiercinski highlighted, including positivity, innovation, and flexibility.
?? MAJ Youfeng Xu, CGSC International Military Student, Singapore Armed Forces
Source: http://usacacblogs.army.mil/cgscstudentblog/2012/09/329/
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