Building a Bridge of Confidence

By Sgt. Maj. Karen Murdock, USA

. . . construct a bridge of confidence in order to build up peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region in the early 21st century.

Gen. Tsuneo Isoshima
Chief of Staff
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

 

In the bright glare of a spotlight, three Japanese soldiers in white uniforms slowly paraded down the aisle leading to the stage. The lead soldier handed the flag he was carrying to the two army generals waiting there. Together, the generals posted the flag, officially opening the 24th Pacific Armies Management Seminar (PAMS XXIV). Approximately 105 delegates from 33 Asia-Pacific countries took part in this ceremony and the discussions that followed.

Sgt. Maj. Karen Murdock, USA, is the Public Affairs Noncommissioned Officer for the Public Affairs Office, HQ, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. She was an attendee at PAMS XXIV.