National IGE Report: September-October 2025

Through the enduring structure of locally focused member engagement, SAME has long been “where it is needed, when it is needed”—an advantage the organization has embraced as national security priorities evolve over time.

During the Vietnam War, for instance, SAME stood up several chapters in country and in Thailand. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Baghdad Post was formed, shining as a beacon of intra-national cooperation while A/E/C professionals from the United States mentored their counterparts as they began to take over U.S.-funded investments.

Advancing Collaboration

Now, a newly established Ukraine Field Chapter is building on the foundational work of the Ukraine Work Group, laying crucial groundwork for the country’s eventual large-scale rebuilding and reconstruction. Similarly, a recently hosted delegation from the Japan Engineers Federation to the National Office, a new SAME Field Chapter being established in Australia, and the year-long Indo-Pacific Engagement Strategy further underscore the international impact the Society can have.

IGE in Europe…The new Ukraine Field Chapter, chartered on July 29, 2025, marks a pivotal step in strengthening industry-government engagement in Europe and supporting future rebuilding efforts in the war-torn nation. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Post, given its longstanding ties to U.S.-led projects in the area, the Ukraine Field Chapter will offer a venue for knowledge-exchange and technical expertise, strengthening Ukraine’s engineering capacity.

The Ukraine Field Chapter follows the Poland Field Chapter, established two years ago, the United Kingdom Post, and a recently formed Italy Field Chapter, underscoring the increasing demand for an SAME presence in the strategically evolving area. The Ukraine Field Chapter is an evolution of what began as the Ukraine Working Group, which held Ukraine Breakfasts the last few years at SAME national events. Those looking to join the new chapter should reach out to Brig. Gen. Glenn Goddard, USAR (Ret.), Chapter President: www.same.org/ukraine.

…And the Indo-Pacific. In June, SAME hosted a delegation from Japan to the National Office, including from the Japan Engineers Federation that was arranged by the Japan Post. The visit was a rewarding opportunity to connect with allied partners who are researching ways to improve resilience of defense facilities.

Over the last 15 months, SAME has focused attention on the Indo-Pacific with a series of international engagements, culminating in the Indo-Pacific Regional Summit in Honolulu, Sept. 8-10, 2025, where more than 1,000 people are scheduled to attend, including from several allied nations.

Starting with the 2024 Pacific Industry Forum and continuing last fall with the Japan Industry Forum and Guam Industry Forum, and the Arctic Industry Forum in February 2025, SAME has brought together leaders from USACE Pacific Ocean Division, NAVFAC Pacific, Pacific Air Forces, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii among many others along with groups such as the Australian Defence Force and the Japan Society of Defense Facility Engineers.

Enhancing Security

Through platforms enabling industry-government engagement, SAME is helping spur conversations to enhance security for Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and other critical regions around the world.

This “on the ground” flexibility, informed by robust relationships with agencies at higher levels, means SAME regularly can shift across borders to help tackle global security challenges, often as a facilitator to bring others together.