Pacific Area Senior Officer Logistics Seminar (PASOLS) XXV was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2226 September 1996. This was the Silver Anniversary meeting, marking 25 years of logistics information exchanges. The agenda featured presentations and panel discussions which reinforced this year's theme, "Logistics Cooperation: Keeping It Simple.

A total of 30 countries were represented by 130 delegates, 30 of whom were flag officers. This level of representation equaled that of PASOLS XXIV, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, which was the largest meeting in the history of the forum. Making a first-ever appearance at PASOLS were delegates from Kazakhstan, Laos, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

PASOLS is an international forum where senior defense logistics officers from the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions gather each year to exchange information on logistics and pursue bilateral or multilateral initiatives. The seminar is sponsored by the U.S. Commander in Chief, Pacific Command (USCINCPAC). Begun in 1971 with only nine Pacific area countries, PASOLS has continued to grow over the years to include a total of 20 member nations and 10 observer nations.

The topics discussed by panel groups included ideas for better logistics integration of the civilian and military sectors, quality assurance, and resourceful ways of advancing the Pacific Area Cooperative Acquisition and Logistics System (PACALS).

The opening address was given by Lt. Gen. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh Army. He traced the history of logistics in the AsiaPacific region and pointed out the importance it has played throughout time. He explained how PASOLS has been so successful at promoting cooperation and understanding among participants and the tremendous contributions it has made in diplomatic as well as economic circles.

Lt. Gen. Rahman went on to describe two recurring logistics challenges faced by the Bangladesh Army: responding to disasters and low intensity conflicts. He concluded by highlighting the three panel discussion topics for the seminar and challenged each delegate to contribute to the discussions.

Welcoming remarks were provided by both co-hosts, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Anwar Hosain, Chief of General Staff, Bangladesh Army, and Brig. Gen. Dennis K. Jackson, Director of Logistics and Security Assistance, USCINCPAC, and PASOLS Secretariat.

Ambassador Charles B. Salmon, former Foreign Policy Advisor to USCINCPAC, delivered the keynote address. Ambassador Salmon opened by stating that he has high regard for logisticians because they make things happen. The main thrust of his speech was a review of U.S. policy in the AsiaPacific region. He talked about the tremendous economic growth being experienced in the region and the importance of the U.S. presence to maintain a peaceful environment. He outlined the principles of U.S. security strategy in the region: a substantial forward deployed force, bilateral engagement with treaty allies under the Cooperative Engagement Strategy, and U.S. support for and participation in multinational security forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum. He went on to point out that ASEAN has become the model for regional integration and cooperation and has paved the way for other initiatives to promote economic development and enhanced security.

Other presentations supporting the panel discussions were as follows:

• "The Need for Harmony between Civilian and Military Elements," by Maj. Gen. Jalal Uddin Ahmed, Quartermaster General, Bangladesh Army.

• "Australian Defence Infrastructure," by Brig. Gen. Campbell, Director, General Logistics, Australian Defence Force.

• "Quality Assurance," by Mr. Gordon J. Hunter, Director General Equipment, Canadian Defence Force, Capt. Cornelia M. Beentjes, Director of Logistics, Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force, and Mr. In Bo Shim, Senior Researcher, Defense Quality Assurance Agency, Republic of Korea.

• "PACALS: An Overview," by Lt. Col. John David, Director of Supply, Headquarters Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

• "Logistics Cooperation: Depot Maintenance," by Brig. Gen. Jin Soo Chang, Vice Deputy Chief of Staff, Republic of Korea Air Force.

Panel discussions featured informative exchanges and nine initiatives. In addition to the ideas shared on how to better integrate logistics in the military and civilian sectors, attendees were asked to share other "best practices" for integration on the PASOLS Internet home page (www.acq.osd.mil/pasols/). The need for and interest in a quality assurance forum, similar to that in other regions, will be explored with Australia and Canada taking the lead to set up a working level meeting. Initiatives to advance PACALS included reevaluating the original 18 possible projects and changing the standard operating procedures to streamline administrative processes.

During several evenings of the action packed seminar, the Bangladesh co-hosts welcomed delegates to grand receptions sponsored by the Armed Forces Division and Bangladesh Air Force. In addition, an enjoyable cultural event, featuring a river cruise and traditional local dishes, was sponsored by the Bangladesh Navy. Activities of the seminar culminated with an elegant dinner sponsored by the Bangladesh Army.

From the hospitable reception at Zia International Airport through the concluding ceremonies, PASOLS XXV maintained the PASOLS tradition for excellence in the advancement of logistics cooperation and sharing. The next meeting of the PASOLS forum is scheduled for August 1997, in Vancouver, Canada. The theme will be "Logistics Cooperation: Technology Solutions.