An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Nov. 21, 2017

West Point Cadets Experience Cultural Lessons Firsthand

By Army Sgt. Tyler Meister 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

WARRENTON, Oregon – Participants in the 13th annual U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange (DME) experienced many firsts, but this year marked first time U.S. Military Academy West Point cadets participated in the event.

U.S. Army Pacific hosts the annual event to promote strategic dialogue with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to foster mutual trust and understanding. The DME allows hands-on and side-by-side interaction between the U.S. Army and PLA on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) operations.

Since 2005, the DME has matured from basic visits and briefings into a substantive exchange that facilitates interaction and develops the capacity to de-conflict HA/DR operations between the U.S. Army and the PLA. This year’s exchange took place November 16-19, 2017, at the Oregon National Guard’s Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center in Warrenton, Ore.

The USMA sent four senior cadets who are all Chinese language majors in an effort to enhance their cultural knowledge and experience by observing the interactions and development between the PLA and U.S. Army.

“This is my first time witnessing our two nation’s militaries coming together and having such a drastic difference in cultures and language,” said Cadet Christopher Clarkin. “It is interesting to see how over time the Soldiers from both nations are able to overcome these differences and work together well.”

The DME at Camp Rilea consisted of two main events. First, a tabletop exchange where joint interagency groups conducted humanitarian assistance disaster relief presentations and discussions from a flood management-based scenario. Simultaneously, skill exchanges consisting of water rescue demonstrations, search and rescue, expedient bridging, medical and surveys were conducted as part of the practical field exchange between both armies.

Cadet Jacob Roberts said it was a unique experience to be able to see first-hand the things they have been learning about in class.

“It was a great opportunity to interact with the PLA soldiers and see our cultures coming together and being successful despite clear differences with language and cultural barriers,” said Roberts

The USMA mission is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character. Capt. James Daniel, a USMA instructor of Chinese said the exchange offered a fantastic, rare and unique experience that his cadets can take with them to develop their own leadership styles.

“Any developmental opportunities like this are crucial to helping our cadets become sound leaders with exposure to a variety of situations,” said Daniel. “We are thankful for U.S. Army Pacific’s invitation to this national interaction and we look forward to having the opportunity to participate in future events.”

All of the cadets found the chance to interact with all ranks within the Army a good change of pace that provided realistic learning outside the schoolhouse environment. They felt that their hybrid training as students and soon to be officers allowed for fresh and unique viewpoints.

“Watching Soldiers with similar experience but different cultures working together allowed us to learn and analyze the mechanisms of our military interactions,” said Clarkin. “We can use this knowledge now as cadets to improve our future ability and understanding of how to better lead our Soldiers as officers.”
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
363,233
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout...

AUKUS Trilateral Statement
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; the Right Honourable Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense,...

U.S., India launch Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024
Courtesy Photo
March 21, 2024 - Indian and U.S. combined armed forces began Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024 with the arrival of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), March 18 and an opening ceremony March 19.This is the third time U.S. and...

USACE: Ensuring Safety Every Step of the Way
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work in Japan for all military services and agencies. With over 60 years of experience in designing and constructing facilities in Japan, JED possesses the experience in Japanese standards and specifications, regulations, construction practices, maintenance requirements, and culture needed to ensure facilities are built with the utmost safety and professionalism. Photo by Charles Maib.
March 21, 2024 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work...

THAAD Battery in Guam Successfully Completes Table VIII Evaluation
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense launcher used by E-3 Air Defense Artillery THAAD Battery as part of their Table VIII certification in Dededo, Guam, March 13, 2024. The THAAD battery, equipped with a state-of-the-art missile defense system, is tasked with defending Guam against ballistic missile threats. (U.S. Army Photo by Maj. Trevor Wild)
March 21, 2024 - In a testament to readiness and operational excellence, Task Force Talon's E-3 ADA THAAD Battery conducted a Table VIII evaluation for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system stationed in Guam, March 11-15,...