Air Force to hold largest multinational enlisted conference

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AFPN) --  Representatives from 16 nations are meeting for four days of discussion and collaboration during the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leadership Conference July 21 through 25 in Kuala Lumpur.

The conference is the largest air force multinational enlisted conference and is the first of its kind to be held in the Pacific region. 

Represented in the four-day symposium are delegations from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States and Vietnam. 

The Senior Enlisted Leadership Conference encourages the building of relationships and aims to enhance cooperation among the air forces of Pacific nations. Hosted by Royal Malaysian air force and U.S. Pacific Air Forces' 13th Air Force officials, this year's conference focuses on preparing for future coalition operations, enlisted program management, senior noncommissioned officer core values, evaluating airmen, and the safety and protection of resources.

""It is imperative that we know and understand one another," said Chief Master Sgt. Todd Salzman, the 13th Air Force command chief. "As our officers are talking about humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, during the Pacific Rim Airpower Symposium, in every instance of a disaster, it is the enlisted men and women who do that work and contribute to the mission success."

Conference briefings and panel discussions include presentations from participating nations that allow representatives to discuss their air force's unique circumstances, capabilities, and challenges within the enlisted ranks.

Through these type of exchanges, the air forces of the Asia-Pacific region can efficiently work together toward mutually beneficial goals. As participants learn more about each participating nation's unique contribution to regional stability and security, they enhance their understanding of the region's collective airpower resources and capabilities.

"We will never get a better opportunity to enhance the professionalism of air force NCOs, " said Royal Malaysian Air Force First Warrant Officer Mohdan bin Amran, the senior warrant officer of the Air Operations Headquarters operation department. "We plan to work toward a common solution in order to support NCO professional development and optimize the NCO's contribution to the force."

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