IPOC 24-2, Part of the Ohana

After nearly a year on the waitlist, U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Holly Beard finally attended the Indo-Pacific Orientation Course (IPOC) at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS). The week-long program, held in October 2024, is designed for mid-career and senior security professionals and provides in-depth insights into the Indo-Pacific region's security landscape. Beard, a civil affairs officer, found the course highly valuable, particularly as it addressed regional complexities from a Department of Defense perspective alongside input from the State Department and allied nations. “It’s fast-paced, but relevant,” Beard said, eager to share her new understanding with her team back home.
The IPOC curriculum includes seminars, plenaries, and guest speakers covering a wide range of regional security issues. Participants learn from civilian and military experts, including DKI APCSS faculty like Professor Srini Sitaraman, who provides insights on South Asia’s economic and security challenges. This session was complemented by interactive discussions on topics such as Women, Peace, and Security led by Dr. Dee Sawyers, as well as electives on state partnership programs led by Commodore Jonathan Lett of the Royal Navy. For Beard and her 153 fellow attendees, the golden lanyard earned at course completion symbolizes their new status as DKI APCSS Fellows, joining a global network of over 15,000 security practitioners dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Learn more at dkiapcss.edu