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Marine Leaders of The Americas Conference (MLAC) 2025

Marine Leaders of The Americas Logo (No Flags) - 2025
Naval Infantry Spearheading Maneuver in Future Maritime Challenges
Washington, D.C.

 

 
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MLAC25 Theme:

"Naval Infantry Spearheading Maneuver in Future Maritime Challenges.”

 

MLAC 2025 Overview:

The Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference (MLAC) is a gathering convening senior naval infantry leaders from across the Western Hemisphere and other key partners who share interests in the region. The forum establishes a unified platform where regional commandants and senior naval infantry officials can deliberate on shared security challenges facing the Americas. This event allows an opportunity for direct one-on-one bilateral engagements with senior leaders and the Commandant of the Marine Corps of the United States.

This year’s MLAC will be held in the National Capital Region and is hosted by the United States Marine Corps.  The theme for the tenth iteration of MLAC is “Naval Infantry Spearheading Maneuver in Future Maritime Challenges.”  Keynote speakers include Brigadier General Simon Doran and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sergeant Major Carlos Ruiz.  Keynote speakers will cover topics ranging from “Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) in the Americas: Sea Control in Support of Naval Maneuver” to “Enlisted Leader Development in Disaggregated Operations.”  The importance of gathering senior leaders together in a common forum to discuss shared interests and security concerns cannot be overstated.  The Marine Corps looks forward to hosting this iteration of MLAC and hosting our partners in the National Capital Region.

 

HISTORY

In 1999, a senior leadership meeting laid the groundwork for the Marine Corps League of the Americas Conference, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering inter-American military cooperation. The first conference took place in 2001, marking the start of a biennial or triennial tradition that brings together naval infantry forces from across the Americas.

Over the years, the conference has played a significant role in enhancing professional exchanges, refining training programs and augmenting naval infantry operations throughout the Southern Command area of responsibility. The conference has been co-hosted by the Marine Corps commandant and a partner nation, demonstrating the Marine Corps' commitment to building strong relationships with regional partners.

In 2025, the Marine Corps will host the conference for the first time in 20 years. The conference, held in the U.S., coincided with the Navy and Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, making it a significant occasion. The conference marked a strategic opportunity for the Marine Corps to demonstrate its capabilities and reinforce its dedication to regional security.

The conference has undergone significant evolution since its inception, adapting to the changing security landscape and emerging challenges in the region. Throughout its history, the conference has provided a platform for naval infantry forces to share best practices, discuss common challenges and work together to address regional security concerns.

As the Marine Corps navigates the complexities of the 21st century, the conference remains an essential component of its regional engagement strategy. The conference serves as a testament to the Marine Corps' enduring commitment to inter-American cooperation, professional development and regional security.

 
2022 Brazil

Host: General David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps
Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, attends an ice breaker event during the Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference (MLAC) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 23, 2022. The MLAC is a bi-annual event that offers a critical venue for key leaders to discuss and collaborate on the complex challenges that face the region. (Courtesy photo)
 
2018 MEXICO

Host: General Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps
Military leaders pose for a photo during a ceremony at Club Naval Norte, Mexico City, Mexico March 12, 2018. Military officials from 22 countries participated in Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia G. Ortiz)
 
2015 COLOMBIA

Host: General Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps
Lieutenant Gen. Robert B. Neller, center right, commanding general of U.S. Marine Forces Command and representative of the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps stands with Major Gen. Luis Jesús Suárez Castillo, the Commander of the Infantería de Marina de Colombia during the closing ceremony of the Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2015 in Cartagena, Colombia, Aug. 26, 2015. The conference provides a forum for regional and senior naval infantry leaders throughout the Western Hemisphere to discuss shared interests in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief matters and improve training programs among partner nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alisa J. Helin/Released)
 
2011 PerU

Host: General James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps
Marine leaders representing 15 partner nations pose for a group photo during the Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2011. The MLAC is a bi-annual conference between Marine Corps' and Naval Infantries leaders of the Americas.
 
2009 Brazil

Host: General James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps
 
 
2006 ChILE

Host: General Michael W. Hagee, 33th Commandant of the Marine Corps
 
 
2004 COLOMBIA

Host: General Michael W. Hagee, 33th Commandant of the Marine Corps
 
2001 ECUADOR

Host: General James L. Jones, 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps
 
     
 

Commandant of the Marine Corps

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Sergeant Major of The Marine Corps

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Commander, MARFORSOUTH

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Sergeant Major, MARFORSOUTH

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Commanding General, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory

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Sergeant Major of The Marine Corps

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Keynote PRESENTATION 1:

Speaker: Brigadier General Simon M. Doran
Topic:     “How We Fight”

 

Keynote PRESENTATION 2:

Speaker:  Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz
Topic:      “Enlisted Leader Development in Disaggregated Operations.” 


Topics

1.  “How We Fight,” by Brigadier General Doran (MCWL).

2.  “Equipping the Force,” by Colonel Dono (Systems Command).

3.  “How TECOM is Supporting Maneuver Warfare in the Americas: Project Tripoli,” by Colonel Whited, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Fraley (TECOM).

4.  “Leadership Development in Disaggregated Operations,” by Sergeant Major Ruiz.

5.  “Talent Management,” by Colonel Scott (M&RA/MP) and Colonel Garcia (M&RA/MM).

6.  “Operational / Strategic Leader Development,” by Colonel Reid (MCU).

7.  “Changing Character of War,” by Colonel McCarthy (TBS).

PRESS RELEASE: Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2025: Strengthening Regional Maritime Security and Cooperation
On DVIDS:  https://www.dvidshub.net/news/544526/marine-leaders-americas-conference-2025-strengthening-regional-maritime-security-and-cooperation

SMMC Ruiz delivers keynote at MLAC 2025
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, delivers keynote remarks as part of the 2025 Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference (MLAC), Washington, D.C., August 5, 2025. The 2025 Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference, hosted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps and sponsored by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, convenes senior Marine and naval infantry leaders from Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom and the United States to discuss shared security challenges and enhance regional cooperation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by GySgt Jordan E. Gilbert)
MLAC 2025 Opening Video
Introductory video for the Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference, July 22, 2025. The Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference, hosted by the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the U.S. Marine Corps, is a gathering, convening senior naval infantry leaders from across the Western Hemisphere and other key partners who share interests in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt Gabriel Durand)
Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2025
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith, the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, stands with senior naval infantry and Marine Corps leaders from 20 Allied or partnered nations during the 2025 Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 4, 2025. The 2025 Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference, hosted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps and sponsored by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, convenes senior Marine and naval infantry leaders from Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom and the United States to discuss shared security challenges and enhance regional cooperation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Payton Goodrich)
Welcome to MLAC
Lt. Gen. Leonard Anderson IV, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, welcomes Allies and partners to the Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference, July 18, 2025. The Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference, hosted by the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the U.S. Marine Corps, is a gathering, convening senior naval infantry leaders from across the Western Hemisphere and other key partners who share interests in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt Gabriel Durand)

MLAC IMAGE GALLERY
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