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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.

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.

Too much data security can be as much of a problem as too much secrecy when it comes to cyberspace operations.

Most of the Pacific Command’s mission will focus on aiding others in need rather than warfighting efforts.

Keeping assets safe from air and missile attack will require a coordinated defense coupled with a dispersal strategy.

Under a new U.S. Asia-Pacific doctrine, friends don’t force friends to choose between Pacific superpowers. Nations can be friendly with both China and the United States.