USARPAC ACE “TED Talk”

Improve speech in your unit

INDO-South TED Talk conducted at the “Punchbowl” Military Cemetery: “How the past can inform the future: terrain still matters.”  

Founded in 1984, a one-off conference about technology, entertainment, and design, (TED for short) became synonymous with passionate presentations. The subjects of TED talks vary across the spectrum of human knowledge, but all have the underlying goal to educate and inspire.  

What follows is a “TED talk” about an initiative implemented in an Army unit. The concept for it is simple, a monthly presentation of interesting concepts where all are invited to attend.  

The USARPAC ACE “TED Talk” 

Established about a year ago as an initiative by the US Army Pacific (USARPAC) theater analytical control element (ACE), the “TED talk” series is a monthly event of rotating topics of interest. The ACE is the all-source fusion element operationally controlled by the USARPAC intelligence directorate (G2) with three branches. Branches within the ACE rotate responsibility for hosting a TED Talk, so the burden sharing equates to once per quarter. With ownership of the brief rotating every 90 days, plenty of lead time is given to promote predictability and flexibility for topic development. 

The “ACE TED Talk” series has benefitted from a wide array of experts more than willing to contribute to promoting understanding of niche topics. Junior analysts are encouraged to take ownership of topics with senior analysts and warrant officers in a supervisory and mentoring role. This allows personal development at echelon while contributing a well-researched topic to a wider community of interest. Analysts also rehearse and coordinate with external elements across the greater interagency as required. Of note, talks range from unclassified through top secret depending on the level of research material required.  

Examples of previous topics include:  

• The dangers of TikTok and other social media best practices 

• People’s Liberation Army (PLA) 101 

• PLA Rocket Force  

• Counter-Malign Influence: Competing in INDOPACOM 

• DPRK Missile Capabilities 

Despite an internally focused initial intent, the audience grew quickly. Battalion and Brigade staff members, USARPAC staffers, members of the 25th Infantry Division and I Corps, adjacent theater elements like the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade, Marine Forces Pacific, Pacific Air Forces, and the wider intelligence community all participate regularly. 

After the talks, the associated slide decks are subsequently published in the Theater ACE daily read-book and on various network knowledge sharing platforms. Often these products serve as baseline JIPOE or quick reference guides.  

Plan your own 

Employing “TED Talks” is straightforward and offers benefits for both the briefers and your unit collectively. To prepare for these, we generate topics, research and develop a presentation, reserve a conference room or auditorium and establish a dial-in bridge. We then promote the 5Ws for upcoming events through various channels such as email, MS teams groups, and advertisements in monthly SITREPs. We also reach out directly to units or agencies who may have interest in the topic. During the research phase these agencies help provide expertise and often  quality control.  

The concept of a TED Talk is not limited to an auditorium with a stage and PA system. It doesn’t have to include a powerpoint. The ACE has conducted these events at offsite locations like a mini-staff ride. We have executed them with a team of analysts who each contribute a part.  

What we’ve found helpful is to outline a few “rules” upfront. Audience members are told during the opening if discussion is encouraged during or after the presentation. Guidance on how and when dial-in participants should ask a question is also helpful to avoid disrupting the flow of the presentation.  

Analysts who deliver the “Talk” gain valuable research experience and an opportunity to showcase their understanding “in the arena.” The question-and-answer portion leads to shared understanding and drives ideas for future Talks. Feedback indicates both increased knowledge of a subject and appreciation for the complexity of the topics discussed. The more popular subjects (such as TikTok) have drawn standing room only crowds with follow-on discussions lasting weeks afterwards. While none of the talks to date have led to a formal written publication, they are ripe for doing so. The notes and products are widely shared and would benefit a larger audience if turned into a white paper or publication.  

The benefits of the TED Talk initiative are not confined to the ACE. Higher and adjacent units are provided an opportunity to learn about discrete subjects relative to their War Fighting Function or area of operations. Participation also encourages relationship building across various echelons while offering a unit capability demonstration.  

Ultimately, the ACE TED Talk series is a low cost, high return venture. It promotes knowledge sharing while fostering discussion and debate in an effort to strengthen the Army and its preparedness to win.  

George Fust is an active duty Army officer currently serving in the INDOPACOM region. He is an intelligence officer and advisor to senior leaders within US Army Pacific. He is a graduate of Duke University and is currently an adjunct professor of political science. He previously taught at the US Military Academy in the Department of Social Sciences and served in the 75th Ranger Regiment. He has multiple deployments and experience in Europe, Africa, and Asia.