The Capabilities Development & Exercises (CAPEX) Working Group 2024 kicked off with a week of collaboration and strategic planning in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 21 to 25. Hosted by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), this year’s CAPEX took place at the JUSMAG-Thai Compound in Bangkok, Thailand, gathering nearly 400 participants from across the Indo-Pacific region, bringing together military representatives, the interagency, and defense industry partners. The event aimed to align security cooperation priorities, develop capabilities, and ensure regional readiness.

The CAPEX Working Group is critical to strengthening the partnerships and interoperability of allied and partner nations. This year, participants focused on four primary lines of effort: Capabilities Development Working Groups, Significant Security Cooperation Initiatives (SSCIs), Assessment, Monitoring & Evaluation (AM&E), and Defense Industry Integration. These efforts form the foundation of collaborative capability development, allowing nations to align security priorities and identify the most effective ways to support regional stability.

According to David P. Jensen, Security Cooperation Division Chief of USINDOPACOM, successful participation in CAPEX begins well before the event. Participants are expected to come prepared, having reviewed the strategic priorities and previous work conducted over the last two to three years. Jensen emphasized that CAPEX is not a passive conference; participants must be actively engaged, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and insights to develop effective solutions for shared challenges.

Jensen described CAPEX as an opportunity for continuing education—a chance for Security Cooperation Officers (SCOs) to return to a collaborative environment after facing real-world challenges in their respective fields. “This is not just theoretical learning,” Jensen said. “We’re making building partner capacity a practical approach, focusing on the hands-on aspects of what we’ve learned.” By bringing officers back together after their field experiences, CAPEX provides a platform for officers to refine their skills, learn from each other, and deepen their understanding of regional dynamics.

One key element of CAPEX is building personal connections. Jensen emphasized the significance of relationship building beyond formal sessions, highlighting that informal opportunities such as lunches, breaks, and social events enable participants to bond at a deeper level. “When you actually know the person behind the email, it changes everything,” Jensen said. “These personal connections help break down barriers and create a more effective working environment.”

This emphasis on networking ensures that, even after the event concludes, participants can rely on one another to solve challenges and move forward as a united front. CAPEX offers an invaluable opportunity to build these relationships, creating a supportive network of partners and allies across the region that enhances both bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

This year marked the first time CAPEX was held in Thailand, a decision that was made to maximize participation while minimizing travel time for attendees from across the Indo-Pacific. The JUSMAG-Thai Compound offered an ideal location with ample office space, secure facilities, and easy access for participants from around the region. Hosting CAPEX in Thailand reduced logistical challenges and ensured that participants could focus fully on collaborative activities without the distractions that often come with longer travel requirements.

The collaborative nature of CAPEX emphasizes a practical approach to building partner capacity. Jensen highlighted how SCOs benefit from hearing about the experiences of their peers and learning how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. The focus is not just on transferring capabilities but also on ensuring that partner nations are equipped to use them effectively. CAPEX allows for a hands-on approach that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, helping partners and allies develop the skills necessary to develop capabilities and capacity to defend their respective national security interests while enhancing interoperability and cooperation among our like-minded partners in deterring malign activities and protecting a rules-based order.

CAPEX 2024 consisted of broad participation from across the Department of Defense and the interagency with stakeholders from USINDOPACOM HQ, Components, OSD, Homeland Security, State Department and Commerce Department. By focusing on collaboration, readiness, and practical learning, CAPEX is helping build a network of capable partners dedicated to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Through continued engagement and shared goals, CAPEX participants are better prepared to address future challenges, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all.