University of the PACIFIC

The Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference on Latin America joined both military and civilian perspectives in broad discussion of the region, its assets, concerns, and relations with the United States. Coming from all over the world, both military personnel from all branches and civilians of all disciplines and professional backgrounds were able to contribute to the understanding of U.S. interests and initiatives in Latin American and Caribbean countries and hear a variety of perspectives. This experience was a truly unprecedented opportunity to hear and begin to understand the military, specifically the naval perspective on issues of Latin America, a point of view that I had never knew.

A variety of high profile speakers peppered the conference, exposing delegates to all sides of debate on the role of the US in Latin America, from academic and scholarly to professional, governmental, and military. One of the most influential speakers was Admiral Stravritas, of South Command, who is now in charge of all military operations in Latin America. His enlightened and optimistic attitude combined well with his advanced understanding of Latin America's challenges was refreshing and earned him a lengthily round of applause after his speech. Another prominent personality at the conference was Senator Dodd, former Democratic presidential candidate hopeful. He spoke of America's historical legacy in the region and of the need for change in U.S. policy toward Latin America.

By far the most fruitful element of the conference was the roundtable discussion groups. Out of 16 timely and relevant topics, I chose to join the "Cuba Conundrum" table where the prospects for change in Cuba were discussed at length. Although I did not agree with many of the hardliners, who advocated a strong U.S. role in changing Cuba's government, the variety of perspectives and arguments were insightful and valuable in understanding the complexity of US policy in Cuba. In addition to the delegates that sat on the discussion board, our table was endowed with several Cuban Americans who expressed their sides of the dispute, and several military personnel, two of which actually worked in Cuba at the Guantánamo Naval Base. She clarified, from her experience, the situation of the prisoners held at the base, claiming the human rights abuses did not occur under her watch, but may have under previous supervisors.

The recreational and dining experiences were equally unforgettable. The first full day of the conference, we ate lunch with the Naval Academy students in the mess hall. At this moment, I realized that the military consists of an entirely different world than the one in which civilians live. The final session of the conference was a recreational activity, and out of four thrilling options, I chose to go sailing. The temperature peaked at about 70 degrees that day, after a week of overcast skies and frosty temperatures, and I was struck by the beauty and grace with which the ship navigated the bay. Having never had a similar experience, I was truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the activity and the conference in general.

In conclusion, the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference in Annapolis was an excellent experience in all senses, academic, professional, and recreational. The perspective, knowledge and understanding that I gained by going to this conference is valuable and has enhanced my education.