Defense Writers Group
22 July 2025
Moderator: For those on the East Coast, good afternoon. For those in the Pacific, good morning. Thank you so much for joining us. This is going to be a terrific Defense Writers Group, I know.
Our guest today is Lt. Gen. JB Vowell. He is Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific. The large turnout today shows the huge interest in the AOR and in the issues.
Our ground rules as always are the same. This is on the record. You can record for accuracy, but there’s no rebroadcast of audio or video.
I’ll ask the first question, then we’ll go around the room to others. Many of you emailed in advance to get on the list. If you want to raise your hand, don’t do that. Send me a direct chat and I’ll add you to the list. Not group chat, but a direct chat.
General, we are honored to have you here. Thank you for joining us today.
Lt. Gen. Vowell: Happy to be here.
Moderator: Thanks.
My question, sir: the Army is all about lessons learned and even more so lessons incorporated. I know you’re just back from Talisman Sabre, so I’m wondering if you could discuss what you will take away from your time observing this huge exercise regarding tactics, operations, as well as weapons and investment to shape your work there at U.S. Army Pacific.
Lt. Gen. Vowell: Thom, thanks for that. Once again, a privilege to be here. General Clark, my boss, is still downrange moving between Talisman Sabre from Australia to New Zealand, so I’ll do my best to help answer the questions today for the command.
