JAKARTA, Indonesia- Senior Army and security officials from 30 nations gathered here for the Pacific Armies Management Seminar (PAMS) XXXII Aug. 25 to share understanding of mutual issues affecting the vast region.

PAMS is the US Army's largest Asia-Pacific theater security cooperation program event. It is a multinational military seminar that provides a forum for senior-level officers from the Asia Pacific's regional ground forces in U.S. Army, Pacific's AOR to exchange views and ideas.

This year's PAMS is co-hosted by the National Army of Indonesia (TNI-AD) and the U.S. Army, Pacific (USARPAC). The co-hosts, Lt. Gen. Bambang Darmono, commander, Indonesian Army Training and Doctrine Center, and Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general, United States Army, Pacific, posted the colors, officially opening PAMS XXXII Monday morning.

 "It is our honor to co-host the 32nd PAMS with USARPAC for the first time," Darmono said. "We believe that this seminar is an important forum for us to share, discuss and hold talks in a warm, friendly atmosphere in building the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding as well as providing a wonderful opportunity to extend communication and dialog among the Asia-Pacific Armies."

The theme for PAMS XXXII is: "Critical Land/Security Forces' Challenges." During PAMS, seminar participants will discuss four topics relating to this theme.

The topics are: "Gaining and maintaining situational understanding in the contemporary operating environment"; "Training and educating forces for success in complex coalition operations"; "Transitioning from conflict to post-conflict operations"; and "Employing cooperative inter-agency and non-governmental approaches during post-conflict operations."

Mixon said he hoped for frank and honest discussions pertaining to this year's topic.

"The United States Army in the Pacific is committed to staying engaged with our friends in the Asia-Pacific Theater," he said. "Our relationships and partnerships have been, and will continue to be, a centerpiece of our engagement strategy in the theater. Our focus needs to be moving from bi-lateral solutions to more multi-lateral ones.

"This week, we have another opportunity to advance mutual professional growth," Mixon added. "We are eager to learn from each other, to enhance our understanding and mutual cooperation which will serve us well in our partnerships, future exercises and personal relationships."

Regional Strategic guest speaker Lt. Gen.(Retired) Edwin P. Smith, director of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, asked the delegates to keep in mind ten security challenges for strategic implication during their upcoming sessions, one of which was too few leaders who are able to see ahead.

"Military leaders are problem solvers," he said, "and today, major conflicts require (leaders) have many other partners. They need to think of them as partners. Diplomatic skill is necessary today, albeit they are not diplomats. Civil-military relations depend heavily on substantive and timely military advice. So choose your spots and time as well as your words and methods carefully and state your expertise whenever giving your advice."

PAMS have been held throughout the Asia Pacific region since 1978. Honolulu has hosted PAMS numerous times, however, Auckland, Bangkok, Calgary, Dhaka, Manila, Nadi, New Delhi, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo have hosted at least once. This is the first year that the National Army of Indonesia has co-hosted a PAMS.

Prof. Dr. Juwono Sudarsono, Indonesian Minister of Defense and key-note speaker, added that because of Indonesia's shared experience of diversity, ethnicity, religion and culture, they are well prepared to lead this year's PAMS theme.

"This seminar is also expected to initiate information exchange among the Asia-Pacific armies in the future and develop into an effective communication between Asia-Pacific armies for dignity and harmony of the Asia-Pacific nations," Darmono added. "I do expect that our active contribution in this discussion with the theme, "Critical Land/Security Forces' Challenge" will give us one vision and perspective in facing relevant challenges to our regional stability."