As you read through this FORUM's winter issue, you will notice a common thread to the stories and photographs: regional operations. In an era of increasing information and interdependence among nations that will unquestionably pick up speed through information technologies in the new millennium, unilateral and bilateral operations in the Asia-Pacific region will more and more give way to regional operations.

Across the region last year, the United States Pacific Command conducted hundreds of exercises, of which almost all were bilateral. Proposals to merge bilateral exercises into regional exercises by linking them together and involving several participants have been well received.

The RIM OF THE PACIFIC exercise has involved many nations for several years. TANDEM THRUST 99 included Australian Defense Forces, Canadian naval forces, US Forces, and observers from the Republic of Korea and Japan. Thailand and the U. S. are looking to expand exercise COBRA GOLD to include other participants. The CARAT naval exercise series offers opportunities to work beyond a series of bilateral exercises. Beginning in fiscal year 2001, Exercise TEAM CHALLENGE links bilateral exercises in a regional exercise framework, designed to improve interoperability with the armed forces of Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Australia and the US

Teamwork has proven key in all joint/combined operations. Teamwork developed through military dialogue and regional exercises on common tasks, such as search and rescue, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, promotes understanding, interoperability and builds confidence in each other's capabilities.

There are many practical military challenges to conducting these activities. Our tactics, techniques and procedures for operating together are rudimentary. Communications are difficult, both because equipment is not fully interoperable, and because of language difficulties. Yet, these are challenges that can be surmounted, and that we should tackle as a community of nations interested in regional security.

The developments in East Timor have accentuated the need for the nations of the region to develop capabilities for peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. Many nations throughout the Asia-Pacific region came together to contribute to the international force in East Timor. They faced a broad array of challenges regarding the movement and sustainment of their forces and questions on rules of engagement and operating procedures that they had not previously addressed.

By capturing the lessons learned and preparing standardized tactics, techniques, and procedures for humanitarian and UN mandated peace operations, we will make great strides in the security and peaceful development of the Asia-Pacific region.

Each of our nations can play a role in promoting community security and peaceful development. Working together, we can make a positive difference in pursuit of a secure, prosperous Asia-Pacific region.