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DKI APCSS Monthly Newsletter
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April 2026
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Readiness
 New DKI APCSS Strategy unveiled
We are proud to announce the release of the DKI APCSS Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Strategy! This roadmap outlines our collective commitment to security and stability across the Indo-Pacific. It is built on a foundation of partnership and dialogue, focusing on four key areas:
1. Advancing solutions to security challenges
2. Developing and strengthening networks
3. Articulating Indo-Pacific perspectives
4. Optimizing capabilities and operations
Discover our vision for the future and explore how we will continue to educate, connect, and empower security practitioners to solve the region's most complex challenges.
Read the full strategy
Allies and Partners
 Honoring Excellence in Indo-Pacific Security
DKI APCSS proudly announces the 2025 Alumni of the Year recipients for their outstanding contributions to Indo-Pacific security. The Philippines DKI APCSS Alumni Association was named Alumni Association of the Year for advancing regional peace through civil-military collaboration and trusted security networks. Col. Charukris Ruangsuwan of the Royal Thai Armed Forces earned International Alumnus of the Year for developing defense cybersecurity frameworks for the Thai Ministry of Defense and ASEAN. Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, David Isom, was selected as U.S. Alumnus of the Year for institutionalizing the first Indo-Pacific Senior Enlisted Leader Subject Matter Expert Exchange (IPSEL SMEE). Read More
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 MIPOC 26-2 Blooms in the Capital Region
More than 120 Fellows participated in the most recent Mobile Indo-Pacific Orientation Course held in Washington, DC in April. The course equips security practitioners with the strategic insight, operational readiness, and professional networks needed to prevail in an increasingly contested and interconnected security environment.
Read more
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 Strengthening U.S.-India Defense Cooperation
The DKI APCSS team joined the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in India for an off-the-record discussion with INDOPACOM, the U.S. Military Group, and senior U.S. defense executives. Moderated by retired Indian Army Col. Baljinder Singh, the session focused on overcoming challenges in co-production, expanding supplier networks, and strengthening U.S.-India defense industry cooperation. The team also met with the US-India Business Council and U.S. defense leaders to discuss actionable strategies for deeper integration to advance bilateral defense cooperation.
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 Thailand’s ambassador to the United States, Dr. Suriya Chindawongse
 Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, chief of Indian Army staff
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• Brig. Gen. Vongxay Inthakham, director general of the Lao Foreign Relations Department, Ministry of National Defense
• CGSC SAMS Advanced Military Studies Program international fellows
• Max Lederer, Stars and Stripes (Pacific)
• Staff Del Keely Thompson
• Undersea Warfare Commanders Conference spouse program
• Chancellor Gregg Olson, NDU College of International Affairs, and fellows • U.S. Army War College JWP
• Regis Savioz, ICRC regional director for Asia-Pacific
• NDU Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy
• Maj. Gen. Thomas Crimmins, U.S. Air Force ANG, 37th commandant, Joint Forces Staff College
• Brad Duckworth, NCIS executive director, Pacific operations
• Maj. Gen. Rodger D. Waters, adjutant general, Nevada National Guard
• NDU Capstone 26-3
• OPNAV N2N6 Navy Attache Affairs Program |
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Upcoming Courses
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Multinational Armaments Resilience Seminar (MARS) 2026
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Module 1: 5-8 May in the U.S.: Washington D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania
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Module 2: 8-13 June in Australia: Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne
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Module 3: 6-11 September in South Korea: Seoul
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Module 4: 1-6 November in Honolulu, Hawaii
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Comprehensive Security Cooperation (CSC)
CSC 26-3: 12 Aug – 16 September 2026
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Transnational Security Cooperation (TSC 26-1): 12 – 17 July 2026
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Indo-Pacific Senior Enlisted Leader Subject Matter Expert Exchange (IPSEL SMEE): 22-27 June 2026 (Brunei)
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Security Nexus
Coming soon!
A new book from DKI APCSS, America’s Strategic Edge, explores how the U.S. can sustain leadership and security in the Indo-Pacific through deterrence, advanced capabilities, and the enduring strength of its people. Check the next issue of the Indo-Pacific Vantage Point for a link to this new publication.
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DKI APCSS Hosts Washington Alumni Event, Honors SEAC David Isom
DKI APCSS held a Washington, D.C. alumni event on April 9, bringing together over 60 U.S. and international graduates. Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, David Isom, served as guest speaker and was honored as 2025 U.S. Alumnus of the Year. The event also recognized alumni achievements and celebrated U.S. Navy Capt. Patrick Panjeti for his Fellow Project on Indonesian security issues, awarding him the coveted Laulima Lanyard. Distinguished guests included U.S. Ambassador Marie Damour and Timor-Leste Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Gutteres. |
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Fellows of Change: Commander Michael John Encina of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) received the prestigious Laulima Lanyard for the completion of his Fellow’s Project, the iCARE Campaign Plan.
Watch His Story
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Video Spotlight: Indonesia at the Crossroads of Asia
With the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the world’s fourth-largest democracy, Indonesia is a vital strategic partner for trade, defense, and security. A DKI APCSS team, led by Deputy Director Russell Bailey, visited Indonesia to engage with U.S. Embassy officials, senior Indonesian leaders, and nearly 100 alumni, advancing regional security priorities.
Watch the video
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