Readout of the Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference

Joint Staff Spokesperson Joseph Holstead provided the following readout:

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine hosted the first Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference from February 10-11, bringing together Chiefs of Defense and senior military representatives from 34 nations to discuss shared security priorities in the Western Hemisphere. Secretary of War Hon. Pete Hegseth opened the conference, and senior U.S. defense leaders, including the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commanders of U.S. Northern and U.S. Southern Commands, and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, also participated.

During the conference, the Secretary of War underscored restoring American strength in the hemisphere through shared priorities and common interests with partners. Participating Chiefs of Defense discussed sustained military-to-military engagement to address shared regional security challenges. Gen. Caine highlighted the importance of building trust, deepening relationships, and working together to advance collective security across the hemisphere.

Discussions addressed shared regional security challenges, including transnational criminal organizations and drug trafficking, as well as broader issues affecting stability across the hemisphere. Participants emphasized the importance of strong partnerships and continued cooperation in responding to these challenges.

The conference provided an opportunity for Chiefs of Defense to exchange perspectives, foster alignment, and reinforce relationships in support of shared security and a stable, secure, and prosperous Western Hemisphere.