HOKKAIDO, Japan -- Encouraging cheers and laughter could be heard up and down the slopes as snow flew and bonds grew during ski training.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members and Marines concluded Exercise Forest Light 13-3 by spending a day maneuvering through fresh snow on skis March 5 at the Hokkaido-Dai Maneuver Area in Hokkaido prefecture, Japan.

Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral training exercise that enhances the partnership between the U.S. and Japan, increases interoperability of forces, and improves individual and unit-level skills.

The training began with JGSDF personnel instructing Marines on how to use ski equipment, maneuvering, and techniques for stopping. After the period of instruction, the service members headed to the slopes.

“I enjoyed watching the Marines have a good time during the ski training,” said JGSDF Sgt. 1st Class Isami Komatsu, an infantryman and ski instructor with the 11th Infantry Regiment, 7th Armored Division, Northern Army, JGSDF. “It is important to be proficient with skis when dealing with the terrain here in Hokkaido. I was happy to know the Marines could take the training they learned from us here and apply it in the future.”

The training provided a great opportunity for both forces to get to know each other on a personal level, according to Cpl. Charles R. Fishel, an intelligence specialist with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, which is currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

“Maneuvering in skis is much harder than it looks,” said Fishel. “I was impressed with the talent displayed by the JGSDF during the training and was able to learn a lot.”

Both forces ended the training with a race to see how the Marines progressed throughout the day, as few had trained with skis prior to the exercise, according to 2nd Lt. Dominique R. Thomas, a weapons platoon commander with the battalion.

“It was clear that both countries were enjoying themselves during the training,” said Thomas. “This was a chance for the Marines to show a different side of themselves. It showed that we are more than just warfighters. We have built long-lasting friendships and working relationships throughout the exercise.”