This gathering was held in Tokyo, 5-10 September 2000. PAMS XXIV was co-hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC). The seminar was held concurrently with the 50th Anniversary of the JGSDF and was considered one of the anniversary highlights. The theme for this year’s seminar was "Army Roles in the 21st Century."

After the traditional posting of the PAMS flag, the two co-hosts, Lt. Gen. Teruhisa Koyanagi, Commandant of the JGSDF Staff College, and Lt. Gen. E. P. Smith, Commanding General of USARPAC, made their opening remarks.

Lt. Gen. Koyanagi said, "This year’s theme [Army Roles in the 21st Century] is a common issue we face in the future and is worthy of our shared consideration and discussion." He told the delegates "Your participation will have a significant impact on building a peaceful 21st century."

Lt. Gen. Smith amplified these sentiments by encouraging the delegates to "actively participate in syndicate discussions . . . to share thoughts about army requirements . . . enjoy our social events, sports and other activities, and to become better friends."

The first PAMS was held in 1978 with nine participating countries. Since then, this annual gathering has provided a unique forum for senior ground force officers in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions to exchange military views concerning a specific theme. The seminar also promotes professional understanding and enhances relations between regional armies by exchanging information through plenary sessions with national presentations, question-and-answer panels, syndicate discussions and back briefs.