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 USJFCOM,
Singapore Armed Forces meet to collaborate on transformation
U.S.
Joint Forces Command hosted Brig. Gen Jimmy Khoo, who
oversees the Future Systems Directorate of the Singapore
Armed Forces, to participate in an inaugural collaboration
workshop,
designed to increase sharing between the two nations, particularly
in joint and combined experimentation.
By Robert Pursell
USJFCOM Public Affairs
(NORFOLK,
Va. - June 30, 2006) -- U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM)
met over the last several days with the Singapore
Armed Forces (SAF) here, to participate in an inaugural
USJFCOM-SAF collaboration workshop, designed to increase
sharing between the two forces, particularly in joint and
combined experimentation.
USJFCOM Deputy Commander Army
Lt. Gen. John R. Wood and
other command leaders hosted Brig. Gen. Jimmy Khoo, who
oversees the Future Systems Directorate, SAF, and several
staff members from the Singapore National Science Laboratory
and Experimentation Center as they visited the Standing
Joint Force Headquarters, Lockheed Martin's Center
for Innovation and the Joint
Futures Lab during their three-day
trip to gain a greater understanding of joint force transformation.
According to organizers, the workshop was designed to
provide SAF with an understanding of USJFCOM and its approach
to joint force transformation with special interest in
joint experimentation. Both USJFCOM and the SAF look to
gain an increased understanding of each other's transformation
plans and challenges and will look at future venues to
develop solutions.
"This
is our first meeting, so this visit can bring an understanding
where we can find a common space
for a very pragmatic program to work together and mutually
benefit both sides," explained Khoo.
"It is a very important relationship. I think the
ability to understand our common interests and the things
we can work on together will be mutually beneficial," said
Wood.
According
to Khoo, the relationship is one where USJFCOM and SAF
already share many of the same beliefs.
"There is a lot of synergy in terms of ideas and
technology. While we are sharing each other's problems,
we will also share each other's strengths and solutions
that we both are looking for in terms of warfighting," said
Khoo.
In July 2005, Wood visited Singapore for the signing of
the Strategic Framework Agreement, which laid the groundwork
for expanded military coordination between the U.S. and
Singapore.
Wood explained that the groundwork was built when USJFCOM
and SAF first established a personal relationship with
each other in Singapore. By inviting SAF to visit USJFCOM,
the ties of that relationship will bind stronger.
"I
think those ties are built on personal relationships,
so it's great to meet with Brig. Gen. Khoo and his team
again. I had a chance to visit them in Singapore when I
was with Joint Experimentation
Directorate and it's
our opportunity to reciprocate here for a visit with his
team," said Wood.
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