CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii -- Senior enlisted leaders from components of United States Pacific Command (PACOM) gathered at PACOM headquarters in Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii for a two-day senior enlisted leader’s symposium, March 30-31.

The joint-service group from throughout the PACOM area of responsibility (AOR) came together to discuss the continuing focus on the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and the importance of enlisted development with U.S. joint services and partners in the regions.

In an opening statement, PACOM Commander, Adm. Harry Harris, addressed the group saying, “The Indo-Asia Pacific region, I believe, is the most consequential region for America’s future and we remain focused and engaged as a trusted ally and partner.”

Sgt. Maj. Anthony A. Spadaro, PACOM senior enlisted leader, served as the host for the 10 component enlisted leaders in attendance.

“The goal is to come together and discuss programs of merit that shape enlisted professional development and then translate that information to the magnificent soldiers, sailors, airman, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, not only within PACOM, but also our partners in the AOR,” said Spadaro.

Attendees included component enlisted leaders from U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ); Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) , U.S. Marines Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC), 14th District U.S. Coast Guard, Hawaii National Guard, and partner nation New Zealand’s Army.

One program discussed was the Joint Enlisted Education Model from Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This program aims to expand development of joint enlisted service members with broader leadership capabilities. The Joint Enlisted Education Model seeks to make courses and education opportunities more available across the services and enlisted ranks.

Those in attendance explained why having a standardized joint training model is important for interoperability.

“We always say in the military we train how we fight,” said Chief Master Sergeant Terrance Greene, USFJ senior enlisted leader. “These are joint operations we are working in so training together helps us prepare for any form of combat, humanitarian or disaster relief operations we may find ourselves involved in.”

The symposium also highlighted some component command programs that worked with various PACOM partners in the AOR.

USFJ briefed Bilateral Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Leadership Continuum at Commander Naval Forces Yokosuka, Japan. This was a joint service initiative that worked with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces to train NCOs in developing peer-to-peer support and intervention skills and in creating a command culture that is willing to eradicate destructive behaviors.

Backbone University is a quarterly event within USFK attended by both U.S. service members and Republic of Korea soldiers that provide them the knowledge of combined and joint operations and understanding their dual roles of complementing the officer and enabling the force.

Spadaro expressed the importance of building up a strong enlisted force and the impacts it has in the PACOM area of operations.

“As warfighting evolves, enlisted service members are carrying out more strategic operations,” said Spadaro. “Having an empowered enlisted force able to understand, translate and transmit the commander’s intents gives the commander more strategic bandwidth in conducting operations.”

He continued to say, “It’s an exciting time to be in the PACOM AOR. I see sky-high and committed morale among the enlisted personnel in the AOR and it helps me sleep at night knowing that no matter what happens they are ready to go.”

With allies and partners, PACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression, and, when necessary, fighting to win. This approach is based on partnership, presence, and military readiness.

- Reporting by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robin W. Peak