FAIRFAX, Va./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 25, 2008 --- The largest state-of-the-art warfare and technologies conference and exposition on the West Coast returns to the San Diego Convention Center, February 5-7, 2008. At West 2008, senior military leaders and defense industry experts will address the theme "U.S at a Crossroads: Where - and How - After Iraq." The 17th annual conference, which is expected to draw over 10,000 people, covers hot issues facing the military including fighting an unconventional war, shipbuilding, and cyber warfare. Attendees can see, touch and try out the latest communications, homeland security, biometrics and defense technologies from 400 exhibitors. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for meals.Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Peter Pace, USMC (Ret.) kicks off the conference as the Tuesday morning keynote speaker. As the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Pace served as the principal military advisor to President George W. Bush, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, he served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Pace holds the distinction of being the first Marine to have served in either of these positions.
The conference theme and panel session topics are based on input from operating forces. Speakers and panel participants will voice their different points of view and experiences with these issues, allowing attendees to benefit from their knowledge and candid discussion. Featured speakers include:
. Gen James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps
. ADM Timothy J. Keating, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
. LTG John M. McDuffie, USA (Ret.), Vice President, U.S. Public Sector, Microsoft Corporation
. Gen Peter Pace, USMC, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
. ADM James G. Stavridis, USN, Commander, U.S. Southern Command
Six panel sessions will provide attendees the opportunity to question experts about the latest policy and technology issues. Topics include: fighting an unconventional war, accelerating IT capability to the fleet, how do we fix shipbuilding, the war on drugs and cyber warfare. New this year is a question and answer session on Wednesday afternoon with senior enlisted leaders from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
West 2008 also features a parallel conference track presented by the Chief Information Officer of the Department of the Navy. The conference features technical sessions on specific information management and information technology programs within the Navy and Marine Corps. In addition, West includes Military Officers Association of America career and financial seminars, a small business training forum, and a job fair.
West 2008 is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for meals. On-site registration is available beginning Monday, February 4. For details and a complete schedule of events, please visit 'http://www.west2008.org'.
AFCEA International, established in 1946, is a non-profit membership association serving the military, government, industry, and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, IT, intelligence, and global security. For more information, please visit 'http://www.afcea.org'.
The U.S. Naval Institute publishes the highly respected Proceedings and Naval History magazines as well as more than 900 professional books each year. Established in 1873, the professional membership association serves as the only independent forum that advances the understanding of sea power and other issues critical to national defense. For more information, please visit 'http://www.usni.org'.
AFCEA Media Contact
Tobey Jackson
(703) 631-6189
tjackson@afcea.org
U.S. Naval Institute Media Contact
Jessica Andrews
(410) 295-1026
jandrews@usni.org
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