On March 27, 2025, ISOA hosted a Tabletop exercise (TTX) with the U.S. Department of Defense and ISOA-member companies focused on the Indo-Pacific region. With the understanding that the private sector plays a critical role in supporting national security interests in the Indo-Pacific region, this first-of-its-kind exercise brought together representatives from the Pentagon and industry for structured, moderated discussions. The purpose of the TTX was to develop industry’s understanding of contested logistics concepts and better understand roles and limitations of commercial entities during crisis and conflict. 

Both the Department of Defense and industry representatives found the discussions to be valuable and eye-opening. Some key takeaways included:

• Requirements are key! Industry needs them ahead of need.
• Prepositioning ahead of is critical – in such a large theater, it takes long time to get materiel where needed.
• An “Amazon.com model” (just in time delivery) is what the military wants, but it took 15 years of supply chain investment to build that capablity. Industry is eager to build this infrastructure for INDOPACOM, but it requires investments. The proposed FY26 budget is a good start.
• Secure communications are required; the military and contractors communicate in different worlds (Classified and Unclassified).
• Industry will go as far forward as indemnification will carry us, but DOD needs to get ahead of the insurance question so there is no delay in a crisis.
• Firm fixed price contracting is all the buzz as a cost saver, but in a crisis, cost plus tools will be needed as well.  A blended approach to contracting will be needed.
• MILCON is way too slow. ISOA is prepared to work with the Pentagon and Congress to identify timely approaches.
• DoD commitment to taking a Total Force perspective is spot on and industry is eager to be that partner.

Thank you to all of the ISOA members who participated in these enlightening discussions, as well as to those of you who listened in via the remote connection. Look for more of these valuable ISOA Tabletop Exercises in the upcoming months.