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The latest Quarterly National Guard Commander’s Update Brief held Nov. 14 at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, highlighted a vital effort to synchronize Guard activities with the strategic objectives of U.S. Army Pacific and the Indo-Pacific Command, according to officials.
Gen. Ronald P. Clark, the USARPAC commander, engaged with Army Guard leaders during the forum about the collaborative focus on regional security and operational readiness in the Pacific Theater.
Maj. Gen. Lance A. Okamura, the USARPAC deputy commanding general for mobilization and reserve affairs, said the Guard CUB serves as an opportunity for Guard states involved in the State Partnership Program to share updates on their operations, activities and investments and key-leader engagements.
These updates allow for critical two-way communication, aligning state-level efforts with USARPAC's strategic goals and ensuring a unified approach to security challenges and partnership-building efforts in the region.
"General Clark’s active participation underscores the importance of strong collaboration between the National Guard and USARPAC to enhance regional security," Okamura said. "By engaging directly with state Senior Leaders, the forum facilitates open communication, fosters mutual understanding, and ensures that National Guard operations are harmonized with Indo-Pacific strategic initiatives."
These efforts directly support the Theater Army’s goals of deterring adversaries, improving regional cooperation and maintaining a decisive positional advantage in the Pacific, he added.
The CUB also emphasized the critical role of the SPP in building and maintaining partnerships with Indo-Pacific nations.
Through joint training exercises, exchanges and cooperative engagements, the SPP enables Guard units to enhance the capacity of partner nations, promoting stability and strengthening alliances. This collaborative approach is vital for generating and applying military capabilities that contribute to regional resilience and deter aggression, Okamura said.
The robust participation in the November forum, including senior leaders from Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Washington, alongside representatives from all 11 states and territories with Pacific partnerships, highlights the increasing importance of these engagements, he added.
The Guard’s diverse presence across the Pacific underscores its unique ability to connect the U.S. with its regional partners, fostering trust and cooperation that bolster collective security, Okamura said.
— By Staff Sgt. Andre Taylor, U.S. Army
