CAMP IMAZU, Shiga Prefecture, Japan -- Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and their Japan counterparts from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, have been working together as part of the Forest Light exercise at JGSDF’s Camp Imazu in the Shiga Prefecture on mainland Japan.
Forest Light is an annual, bilateral exercise conducted by the Japan and U.S. service members to improve alliance ties and security in the Pacific theater.
“What’s most important isn’t just that we demonstrate our abilities, but that we are proficient at working together (with the JGSDF),” said Lt. Col. Ted Adams, battalion commander of 9th ESB. “The scenarios we face (during this exercise) would help the Japanese defend their country and we would be strongest in (defending the country) together.”
The Marines began the exercise by demonstrating the use of weapons systems organic to their unit and tactics including the use of the AT-4 rocket. The Japanese followed with demonstrations of their anti-tank missiles. The Japanese forces also demonstrated their minesweeping and their decontamination process.
“This type of exercise should be a deterrent to any threat around our country,” said JGSDF Sgt. Kazuya Ikeda, infantryman and interpreter for the 15th Infantry Regiment. “This training will make us more prepared for any kind of emergency.”
After classes and briefings, offered in both English and Japanese, members of both services were able to understand each other’s procedures.
“(This exercise) provides contact with our allies,” said Chief Warrant Officer Robert Lee, a 9th ESB platoon commander for the exercise. “We’re learning by watching how they train and operate.”
Additionally, the JGSDF and Marines demonstrated their variations of the close-firing range, military operations on urban terrain and martial arts.
“We’ve showed them how we employ our forces in accordance with Marine Corps tactics and procedures,” said Lee. “Additionally, our Marines have gotten a great deal of understanding for the customs meshed into their military.”
The cold weather setting offered new challenges for the Marines.
“Compared to Okinawa, its pretty cold here,” said Lance Cpl. Ethan Rackley, combat engineer, 9th ESB. “At first it was difficult wearing all the gear.”
Throughout the training, the Marines and Japanese soldiers shared meals together and carried on conversations. Many of them created friendships.
“At the beginning of the training, it was strange when we saw each other face-to-face,” said Ikeda. “At first, we didn’t eat lunch together but as time passed, we ate lunch together more (every day).”
“(The Japanese service members) seem so eager to speak with us,” said Rackley. “They’re pretty cool.”
In the end, communication proved to be a small obstacle to overcome.
“Through a common medium like an interpreter, we can accomplish anything together,” said Lee. “The Marines have really integrated with the Japanese well.”