Camp Itazuma, Shizuoka prefecture, Japan -- There are nearly 7,000 languages in the world today, with English being one of the most widely spoken. In many instances, English is the dominant language for global business, science, entertainment and diplomacy among other subjects.
It is for reasons such as these that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force encourages its members to learn the English language at the basic enlisted English course at the 3rd Sergeants Training Unit.
As part of the BEE course curriculum, the unit held a speech contest June 17 with U.S. Marines as judges at Camp Itazuma, Gotenba, Shizuoka prefecture.
“We want the U.S. forces to know that we have learned to speak English, so we can communicate effectively with them,” said JGSDF Capt. Mamoru Takahashi, the BEE course chief instructor for the 3rd Sergeants Training Unit. “The United States is one of our most important allies, so we believe learning their language is incredibly important for that relationship to continue.”
The purpose of the speech contest was to examine the members’ progress before taking the final written exam.
The JGSDF members get a lot of opportunities to travel abroad for missions and exercises, according to JGSDF Sgt. Yosuke Hirayabu, a rifleman with the Central Readiness Regiment, JGSDF.
“We have a chance to take part in bilateral exercises with U.S. Marines, and we will be expected to not only carry out our regular duties but also serve as interpreters,” said Hirayabu. “This is why it is so important for us to successfully complete the BEE course.”
The BEE course is three months long and has three events in which U.S. Marines offered assistance. A visit to Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, a drill competition and speech delivery evaluation, with the latter two including Marine judges. Only upon graduating from the initial course will the JGSDF members be allowed to participate in the intermediate or advanced English course at their training unit.
“I believe it’s important to participate in the JGSDF’s training not only because it boosts morale for both U.S. Marines and JGSDF, but also because it continues to promote the outstanding relationship between the U.S. and Japan,” said U.S. Marine Cpl. Jared A. Duran, a field artillery fire control man with Headquarters Company, CATC Camp Fuji. “I enjoyed being able to see the results of their studies and enthusiasm for learning the English language. I think it was a good idea to invite U.S. Marines to take part in the contest because as English-speakers we can offer advice and help them.”
After the judging was complete, Sgt. Shun Ubukata was awarded a certificate for the overall best quality speech.
“All of the student’s speeches were well thought-out and delivered,” said Takahashi. “But Ubukata’s speech about his future with the JGSDF and how he felt the BEE course would help carry him further in his career was simple, easy to understand and showed his confidence.”