The complex relationship between Guam’s civilian community and the military was discussed during a two-day defense forum this week, which focused on how the ongoing military buildup will affect the island’s housing supply, energy, infrastructure and economy.
Military officials outlined threats in the region, and emphasized that Guam plays a key role in defense.
Dale Marks, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment, said adversaries are actively targeting critical defense, government and economic infrastructure "both within and beyond our fence lines."
"Every demand is contested, air, land, sea, space and cyber, with attacks calibrated to remain below the threshold that would compel an overt American response, but are nonetheless a threat to our national security, Marks said.
Planning, resilience and partnerships between civilian entities and the military were frequent themes during the forum, with panelists including local government officials, business leaders and military representatives.
The forum was hosted by the Guam Economic Development Authority, the Office of the Governor's Community Defense Liaison Office and the University of Guam Global Learning and Engagement Center.
