JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Maj. Gen. Dennis P. LeMaster, commanding general, RHC-P and Command Sgt. Maj. Clark Charpentier, senior enlisted advisor, RHC-P, hosted the 2019 Fall commander's symposium November 19-21, at the Club at McChord Field on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The theme of the fall symposium was "Unity During Transition" which reinforced the goal of a more integrated, efficient and effective Military Health System. Senior leaders from across military and civilian healthcare sectors spoke to RHC-P's command teams on a variety of topics such as strategic matters impacting military medicine, readiness and the way we conduct business today and in the future.

LeMaster addressed command teams and communicated that, "As leaders, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn from each other, share best practices, and leverage the expertise that will be shared with us to enhance our health and readiness mission."

This year's fall symposium built upon the spring 2019 symposium theme which addressed "Adaptive Leadership During Transition".

During the first day of the symposium Mr. Guy Kiyokawa, deputy director, Defense Health Agency, and Dr. Richard Thomas, president, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, opened the conference with a strategic overview of the transformation of military medicine and the military health system.

The command teams also completed the new Army Combat Fitness Test during a late afternoon session.

The ACFT is designed to better connect fitness with combat readiness for all Soldiers, improve Soldier and unit readiness, transform the Army's fitness culture, reduce preventable injuries and attrition, as well as enhance mental toughness and stamina. It is a part of the Army's evolving Holistic Health and Fitness System to generate lethal Soldiers, who are physically ready and mentally strong.

Leaders tested their physical stamina at each of the fitness stations which included a 3-repetition maximum deadlift, a standing power throw, a hand release push-up, a sprint-drag-carry, leg tucks and a 2-mile run.

Day two of the symposium began with discussions on leadership, then moved into medical logistics and medical reform, before ending with a congressional perspective on the transformation of the military health system. The last day of the conference was not only informative but also gave participants a chance to brainstorm and collaborate on strategies to move forward and unite during this time of transition.

The three day conference for Army Medicine leaders around the Pacific region allowed leaders to be active participants while helping to strengthen established relationships among fellow command teams.