Photo By Sgt. Shadica Price | Attendees discuss maneuverability and unit capabilities during a terrain walk at...... read more read more
SEOUL — Military leaders from across the Indo-Pacific gathered at the Conrad Seoul, April 14–16, 2025, for the annual Stryker Leader Summit hosted by I Corps leaders, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The summit gathered senior leaders from the 4th Infantry Division, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army Pacific and Department of Defense personnel to share ideas and discuss how to fight and win in present and future battlefields, with a focus on operations on the Korean Peninsula.
The summit was led by Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general of I Corps, and Command Sgt. Maj. Nema Mobarakzadeh, I Corps senior enlisted advisor. Their goal was to create a space for open dialogue and improve the interoperability of Stryker units across the region.
“This group needs to be focused on how we adapt and learn lessons before the first battle,” said McFarlane. “We have to learn from what’s happening around the world — whether it’s in Ukraine or the Middle East — and improve our warfighting readiness now.”
The summit featured guest speakers Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, U.S. Army retired, and Maj. Gen. William D. Taylor, director of operations for U.S. Forces Korea, who shared their expertise and added valuable perspectives.
“The terrain in Korea dominates the battlefield,” said Brooks. “You have to understand when to dismount, when to remount, and how to generate momentum in tight, restricted terrain. It’s not like Desert Storm — it’s close quarters, and you have to fight with that mindset.”
The main theme of the summit, “Stryker in the Korean Operational Environment,” focused on the unique challenges and opportunities posed by Korea’s terrain and strategic location. As part of this, attendees participated in a staff ride to the French Battalion Monument, led by retired Col. Mike Alexander, a 2nd Infantry Division historian. There, participants learned about the Battle of Chipyong-Ni, saw the terrain, analyzed key tactical decisions and reflected on how lessons from the past shape modern warfighting concepts.
At the Conrad Seoul, day 2 of the summit, leaders discussed the future of warfare, with a focus on multi-functional reconnaissance, new ways to collect intelligence and maintain battlefield awareness. The summit also addressed the need for adaptable, resilient operations, including how to operate dispersed command posts while managing emissions, concealment and survivability.
“Nearly every force that’s going to be in contact is going to be a Korean force,” said Brooks. “They’ll be in contact first, and U.S. forces must be ready to support the fight, not just hold the line.”
The afternoon of day 2 shifted to breakout discussions, where participants tackled hands-on challenges following the morning’s briefings and guest speakers. Topics included equipping dismount squads, addressing the evolving needs of infantry soldiers in complex terrain and sustaining combat power through logistics tailored to the Korean Peninsula.
Day 3 of the summit began with a capabilities briefing from 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, the rotational unit currently operating on the peninsula. Leaders shared observations and lessons learned from recent training and operational experiences, highlighting the challenges and advantages of employing Stryker formations in Korea’s complex environment.
Later that day, participants transitioned to Rodriguez Live Fire Complex for a tactical terrain analysis. The site is designed to closely replicate the peninsula’s difficult landscape, providing a realistic setting to examine how terrain impacts maneuver, positioning and sustainment. The analysis reinforced the importance of understanding Korea’s terrain when planning and executing future operations.
“We’ve got a lot of work to take back — not just at the Eighth Army or I Corps level, but at every level as we prepare our leaders for the next fight,” said McFarlane. “Thanks to everyone helping us make sure the Army stays ready.”
The 2025 Stryker Leader Summit underscored the U.S. Army’s commitment to building a ready and capable force in the Indo-Pacific. By bringing leaders together to share insights and tackle key challenges, the summit aided Stryker units to remain prepared to operate in complex environments and meet the demands of future conflicts.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2025 13:25 |
| Story ID: | 495622 |
| Location: | SEOUL TEUGBYEOLSI [SEOUL-T'UKPYOLSHI], KR |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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