Air Force to hold largest multinational enlisted conference

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia --  Sixteen nations will meet here for four days of discussion and collaboration during the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leadership Conference July 21-25. 

The SEL is the largest air force multi-national enlisted conference and is the first of its kind to be held in the Pacific region. The SEL encourages the building of relationships and aims to enhance cooperation among the air forces of Pacific nations. Hosted by the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces' 13th Air Force, this year's conference focuses on preparing for future coalition operations, enlisted program management, senior non-commissioned officer core values, evaluating airmen,  and the safety and protection of resources. 

""It is imperative that we know and understand one another,"  Chief Master Sgt. Todd Salzman, command chief of 13th Air Force said. "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, " First Warrant Officer Mohdan bin Amran, Royal Malaysian Air Force senior warrant officer of operation department, Air Operations Headquarters said. "We plan to work toward a common solution in order to support NCO professional development and optimize the NCO's contribution to the force."

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