Past event: Special Operations Summit West

Defense Industry and Special Operations Forces: Helping the Best of the Best Remain the Elite

As the U.S. command rebalances their ability to react swiftly and successfully anywhere at anytime, the defense industry must be able to supply those SOF with the equipment, technology and training they need in vastly different terrains globally. These supporting elements will need to be able to withstand both extreme heat and extreme cold, function in inhospitable jungles and inaccessible locations, and help soldiers build strong human networks within local populations across a wildly vast range of language and cultures

With USSOCOM'S estimated 2014 budget to increase funding over 170M USD special operations is one of the few governmental markets looking at expansion over the next decade. With the ability to fund those supporting elements for special operations soldiers, the US military leaders have the ability to acquire the best equipment, best technology and best training - all that remains is to create a clear channel of communication between the military and the defense industry, so that each knows what the other truly needs and is able to supply it so that both might be successful.

Our Special Operations Summit West will focus on the equipment, technology, and training needed as SOF increase their presence in theaters globally. With first hand accounts by SOF, industry leaders will be able to determine where they need to go in the years to come while strengthening the relationship between industry and military by building a better path of communication.


Special Operations Summit West will look at:

  • Funding changes over the next fiscal year within USSOCOM
  • Moving into new terrains and how that will affect acquisition within the defense industry sector
  • Sharing first-hand accounts of equipment and tech in the field; what works and what doesn't
  • Unmanning the front line for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions
  • Manning the front line - bringing the Human Domain back into play as one of the most integral parts of SOF success

2014 Speakers

  • Lt Col Josh Bohnart, Program Manager Ammunitions and Weapons, PEO-SOF Warrior, USSOCOM SORDAC
  • COL (R) James Brown, Former Commander, 18th MP Brigade in Iraq 2004-2005, TASK FORCE BUCCA in Iraq 2007-2008, Multi-National Forces, Iraq
  • SF COL Miguel Correa, Commander, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (A), USSOCOM
  • COL (Ret.) William Coultrup, Former Director, Legislative Affairs, USSOCOM
  • LTC Luke Donohue, Security Cooperation, PACOM, U.S. Army
  • Sergeant Major Stephen Durfee, 1st Special Forces Group, ARSOC
  • Brigadier General Albert "Buck" M Elton, Director of Plans, Programs, Assessments and Requirements, AFSOC, USSOCOM
  • MSgt Kevin Forrest, Superintendent, 71st Special Operations Squadron, AFSOC
  • CSM Frank Grippe, Command Sergeant Major, USCENTCOM, USCENTCOM
  • Brigadier General Clayton Hutmacher, Commander, ARSOAC
  • Major General Jeffrey Jacobs, Commander, US Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations , USSOCOM
  • MAJ Sven Jensen, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, United States Marine Corps
  • Robert Jones, Strategic Advisor, J56 Strategy Division , USSOCOM
  • Major General Michael Keltz, Director, Intelligence, Operations and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command US Air Force
  • Sergeant Major Bob La Pella, SOCCENT, USSOCOM
  • PhD Amie Lonas, Dean of Academics, JSOU
  • Rear Admiral Brian Losey, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, USSOCOM
  • Timothy McKelvey, Director of Emerging Technologies, PEO-Fixed Wing, SORDAC
  • Rear Admiral Kerry Metz, Commander, SOCNORTH, USSOCOM
  • CW5 (Ret.) William Moore, Special Operations Strategist and Campaign Planner, SOCPAC, USSOCOM
  • Rear Admiral Frank Ponds, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group III, US Navy
  • COL Imre Porkolab, National Liaison Representative, Hungarian Defense Forces, NATO
  • Kathleen Reedy PhD, SME Region and Culture, USCENTCOM, Department of Defense
  • BG Douglas R Satterfield, Deputy Commanding General, 412th Theater Engineer Command, U.S. Army
  • Staff Sergeant Levi Stuart, SOF Horsemanship Trainer, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center
  • SEAL CMD (Ret.) Paul Tharp, Command Master Chief, Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command , NAVSOC
  • Brigadier General Jon T. Thomas, Deputy Director, Future Joint Force Development JS-J7, USAF
  • Robert Toth, Director, Tactical Airlift, Special Operations, Rescue and Trainer Acquisitions, SAF/AQQU United States Airforce
  • Master Chief (Ret.) Larry Wilske, (Ret.) SEAL Master Chief, NAVSOC, USSOCOM

Please fill in your name and email to receive the summit agenda of this event.


The agenda is available as PDF under downloads at the right side of the page.

Venue

The venue is not yet available for this event.
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Venue & Accommodation

Loews Coronado Bay - San Diego
4000 Loews Coronado Bay Road
San Diego, California
92118, United States
Website: http://www.loewshotels.com/Coronado-Bay-Resort
Phone: (800) 815-6397
Fax: 619-424-4400

Accommodation
IDGA Group Rate: $199.00/night plus 11.5% tax per night (single/double occupancy)
Please identify you are part of the “IDGA – Spec Ops” group to ensure the special rate (based on availability).
Please make your reservation before February 13, 2014 in order to ensure you are eligible for the group rate (based on availability).
Reservations Telephone: 1-800-235-6397

Event details
Organizer : IQUS
Event type : Conference
Reference : ASDE-3045