Search

The nature of forward deployment is changing as the United States adjusts to its Pacific rebalancing.

The new strategic emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region poses a new set of challenges for the U.S. military, ranging from cyberspace attacks to missile defense in a large-scale conflict. Meeting these challenges will require a new approach to coalition building as well as a shift in technology procurement. And, the relationship among the United States, China and their neighbors will weigh heavily on all efforts for regional security. 

Many of these points were discussed on the first day of TechNet Asia-Pacific 2012, being held in Honolulu, Hawaii, November 13-15. Titled “Rebalancing Toward the Asia-Pacific—Challenges and Opportunities,” the conference began with a direct focus on the key issues that define those challenges.

The land down under looks westward when it contemplates geopolitical issues around the Pacific.

A new mission for the military in the Asia-Pacific region will require different technologies for the force.

Either complacency or innovative attackers have lessened the effectiveness of conventional computer and network security measures.

People with attitudes represent the current bow wave of Web attacks.

Congressional action that limited U.S. activities with human rights violators is hurting Pacific Command efforts to build regional coalitions.

The U.S. Pacific Command is considering new ways of countering the growing Chinese ballistic missile threat.

Commercial systems require commercial solutions to win the war in cyberspace.

PACOM’s traditional model of bilateral coalitions in the Asia-Pacific region is giving way to larger groupings built on a regional basis.