Roundtable by Major William Easter, Singapore Desk Officer, United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC)

Lecture Abstract:

Hawaii is where the US Headquarters for Pacific operations is located. Although the US policies in Southeast Asia are well known, this discussion will provide an opportunity to interact with someone who plans and executes US Security Cooperation in Southeast Asia and contributes to US military policy in region. This discussion will give you a more nuanced view of working with the US military; talk about the United States Marine Corps; summarize some observations from almost 4 years of intense regional interaction; and touch on other topics of mutual interest. The conversation will be valuable and the discussion should be robust.

About the Speaker:

Major William B. Easter graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. After graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and subsequently designated an Infantry Officer. As a Lieutenant he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander, Weapons Platoon Commander, Fire Support Team Leader, Company Executive Officer, Battalion Adjutant and Recruiting Training Series Commander. As a Captain he served as an Aide-de-Camp, Headquarters and Services Company Commander, and Information Management Officer. As a Major he has been a Southeast Asia Desk Officer and is pending assignment as a Battalion Executive Officer. He has deployed to Afghanistan four times totalling thirty-three months. In his current billet he has keenly observed and participated in US and partner nation military to military relations in much of Southeast Asia for almost four years.