This exercise affords U.S. Marines and Japanese soldiers an opportunity to observe and learn from each other's tactics.

The exercise began with an opening ceremony and static equipment display Saturday.

"These training events are critical to demonstrate to the world that the United States and Japan are prepared to defend against aggression and help maintain stability throughout the region," Lt. Col. Daniel Yaroslaski, the battalion commander, said during the opening ceremony.

"Through the combined training scheduled over the next two weeks, our personnel will observe the tactics, techniques and procedures we will certainly execute if called upon," he said.

Both services displayed their weapon systems, vehicles, technologies and other combat-related equipment to their counterparts. The JGSDF provided translators so members of both forces could ask questions about the equipment.

"I walked away from this presentation with a greater understanding of Japanese equipment," said Lance Cpl. Jordan Costello, a combat engineer with the Combat Engineer Co. "It was a good learning experience for both the (JGSDF troops) and the Marines to be able to compare weapon systems."

Costello showed Japanese soldiers the AN-PSS 14 mine detector.

The first week of training included assaulting through an objective, calling for support by fire, anti-personnel obstacle breaching, rocket shoots, combat marksmanship training and improvised explosive device training.

For the training evolutions, Japanese soldiers displayed their tactics first as Marines observed. Then Marines showed the soldiers their tactics. After each service finished, they answered questions from their counterparts

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Costello said. "I know a lot of people don't get to come here and see this, so I feel privileged to observe the Japanese tactics and techniques."

Even as the U.S. Marines and Japanese soldiers learn from each other, they are also building friendships.

"I've gotten to know a lot of Japanese soldiers," said Pfc. Rodrick D. Cassel, a combat engineer with Combat Engineer Co. "It's a new experience and a great opportunity to meet new people and understand the different culture of our brothers in arms. They have different ways of doing things, but we all strive to achieve the same goal – peace."

"It is very interesting to me to talk to Marines," said JGSDF Sgt. Nobuyuki Nakajima, a communications operator with the 10th Signal Battalion. "I feel that Marines are a very strong force. They can go anywhere when they are ordered to."

Nearly every night U.S. Marines and Japanese soldiers meet in a "Friendship Tent" to exchange stories and learn about each other.

"The Japanese are much like Marines," Cassel said. "During the day, they're hard working and about the mission, but at night, they love to relax and have a good time. The friendship (tent) is a middle ground where both Japanese and Marines can be themselves and form a everlasting companionship that will carry for generations to come."

Forest Light is scheduled to run through March 7.