“As the world marks one year since the Great East Japan Earthquake, I would like to express my admiration for the strength and resilience of the Japanese people.Last fall, I had the opportunity to visit Japan and see the determination of the Japanese people who are rebuilding their country even stronger than before.
“The U.S. military was proud to support the Government of Japan in responding to this disaster, and the success of these efforts is a testament to the strength of our alliance.In my visits with U.S. service members and Japanese forces, I was struck by the close bonds of partnership and friendship that exist between our militaries, bonds that have grown even closer in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“On this anniversary of that tragic event, we remain committed to assist our Japanese friends to rebuild, to deepen our partnership with the Japanese Self Defense Forces, and to strengthen our great alliance.Japan is more than just an ally.It is also a great friend of America.Together we will continue to forge ahead to achieve peace, prosperity, and a better future for both of our countries.
“I also want to thank the thousands of men and women in the Department of Defense who immediately answered the call and brought relief to Japanese and American citizens struggling amidst the devastation.Within moments of disaster striking, the United States armed forces, under the leadership of Adm. Robert Willard, were fully mobilized to support the Japanese government in its response and recovery efforts.
“I believe the greatest service we can do is when we are able to reach out and help our fellow human beings in need.Together, Japanese and American forces helped those in need, and solidified the friendship between our two great nations for generations to come.”
By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson Wisconsin National Guard
The Wisconsin Army National Guard's 332nd Rear Area Operations Center (RAOC) tested its limits during the multi-national exercise Yama Sakura 61 in Osaka, Japan, which concluded yesterday (Feb. 6).
"This is the biggest exercise in the Pacific," said Lt. Col. John Morgen, 332nd RAOC commander. "It gives us a chance to stretch our staff members in a number of ways - the military decision-making process, information flow, planning, coordinating and executing. This sets up perfectly for our [mission essential task list] tasks."
Yama Sakura is an annual bilateral exercise involving U.S. forces and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, and is designed to strengthen military operations and build working relationships. The scenario depicts a massive military assault against Japan and the military response from Japanese and U.S. forces. This year's exercise was the largest since the Great Tohuku Earthquake in March 2011.
Morgen said the 332nd RAOC is a small, versatile unit that plans and coordinates terrain management, area damage control, security, safety and unity of command within a designated rear area - in short, the unit keeps the rear area running smoothly to best support the forward battlefield units. This requires developing effective solutions to challenging problems and circumstances.
"We do command post operations," Morgen explained. "This [exercise] is exactly that. The 332nd has an impressive history of being the organization with the best answers."
The skills honed during this exercise, which began Jan. 23, can also be applied to domestic operations such as disaster response, Morgen said.
Yama Sakura also provides cultural exchange opportunities, with U.S. service members visiting local cultural sites and homes, and taking part in activities such as a Japanese drum performance, tea ceremony, calligraphy, ceramics and cooking. Morgen said some unit members visited a local orphanage.
"It's a unique training experience," he said. "Not only do our Soldiers get a chance to get better at their jobs, but they work with their Japanese counterparts and they experience Japanese culture."
Morgen said he was proud of how his unit performed during Yama Sakura 61.
"I've had an opportunity to be in two other exercises in Japan like this," he said. "I've never seen this level of coordination with the Japanese. In terms of collective training, we're doing very, very well."
Morgen said the 332nd RAOC conducted command post operations and cultural briefings for the past three months to prepare for this exercise.
"Having an opportunity to travel halfway around the world to get great training, in an environment that culturally enlightens, is a great opportunity," he said. "It makes for a better Soldier and develops a better individual perspective."
The 332nd RAOC is one of two rear operations centers in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and one of only 10 nationwide. Next year the Monroe-based 64th ROC will take part in Yama Sakura.
By Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Fredrick Varney Kentucky National Guard
CAMP ITAMI, Japan (1/24/2012) - Many times when a U.S. Soldier hears the word “exercise” he or she may often think of a broad range of training possibilities that may include use of advanced weaponry, communications, or even time spent in a field training environment.
However, the annual Yama Sakura in Japan offers a unique cultural experience designed to strengthen relationships between U.S. personnel and their Japanese counterparts.
This year’s Yama Sakura 61 presents the largest bilateral exercise between the U.S. Army Pacific and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force since the Great Tohoku Earthquake in March 2011.
Various entertainment and cultural activities include a Japanese drum performance and traditional Awa dance, a tea ceremony, as well as courses of instruction in calligraphy, ceramics, and cooking.
There are also several off-post tours that enable U.S. Soldiers to see the beautiful sights and historical landmarks of Japan such as the Kyoto Temple, Todai Temple, and Osaka Castle.
“This is my first time overseas and I had no idea about what to expect from the Japanese culture,” said Army Pvt. Tyler J. Ritter, a motor transport operator for the 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota National Guard.
Ritter said the ceramics course was his favorite cultural activity because of the tremendous challenge that was presented to him.
“Centering the symbols properly on the bowl takes a great deal of precision. I am very excited to tell my parents about this wonderful experience here in Japan,” he said.
According to Army Sgt. 1st Class Natsuo Endo, a drill instructor for the Middle Army Combined Brigade at Camp Itami, Japan, the Soldiers are very motivated to learn new and exciting things about the history of Japan.
“It has been very interesting for us to show the Soldiers about our culture and customs. “I personally observed the Soldiers to be great students while participating in the cultural activities thus far.”
“Although the highlight of this event is the main exercise, it is also very important to develop our bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Japan through various cultural activities.”
Nearly 800 U.S. military service personnel and more than 3,500 Japan Ground Self Defense Force are participating in Yama Sakura 61 Jan. 23 through Feb. 5 which focuses primarily on the bilateral and joint planning, coordination, and interoperability of ground based elements of the United States and Japan security alliance.
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2011 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on his first visit to Japan since it suffered a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March, today praised the U.S.-Japanese alliance and said the two nations must expand such relations throughout the Pacific region.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, speaking at a news conference from the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, offered condolences to the Japanese people in the aftermath of the natural disaster and said the United States still is committed to helping its ally however it can. His visit is part of an East Asia tour this week that included trips to China and South Korea.
“Watching from afar, I must also say that I was inspired by the dignity, the strength, the grace and resilience with which Japanese citizens responded to the shock,” he said. “If ever there was by any people a finer display of character and courage under such circumstances, I simply haven’t seen it. And so, thank you, as well, for the power of your example to the world.”
Mullen praised the response of the Japanese Self-Defense Force for its skill and professionalism in helping Japanese citizens following the disaster. “For our part, the United States military was proud to support your troops and to labor side by side [and] day and night with them -- on the ground, in the air, and at sea -- as we jointly battled the elements and the unspeakable destruction.”
The collaboration of the Japanese and U.S. forces following the earthquake is a testament to the countries’ strong relationship, the admiral said, adding that his trip to Japan was meant to underscore the U.S. commitment to a partnership with Japan.
“We know you, and you know us,” he said. “And, together, we have served not only the defense of Japan, but the cause of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. And it is the strength of that friendship I am here to reaffirm. In every meeting I will attend, in every discussion I will have, I will convey my government’s commitment -- and that of my military -- to expanding and improving our bilateral relations.”
Noting that the United States is a Pacific power, Mullen said it will seize every opportunity to promote peace in the region. “Of course, should your women’s soccer team defeat ours in the World Cup this weekend, we may have to seriously rethink our position,” he joked about the much-anticipated July 17 match-up.
As part of strengthening their alliance, Mullen said, Japan and the United States also must reach out to expand multilateral relations in the region. “No single nation can address all of today’s challenges alone,” he said. “There is greater strength to be found in the diversity of talent presented through plural initiatives and cooperation.”
Japan’s recent efforts to improve bilateral relations with South Korea and Australia are a good example, Mullen said, in addressing common challenges ranging from piracy in the Straits of Malacca to weapons proliferation and disaster response.
Mullen said he would like to see those bilateral relationships extend to more conventional and defensive capabilities with South Korea and others. “The United States has enduring interests in the Pacific, and we have enduring security commitments we plan to broaden and deepen,” he said. “But so, too, would we like to see others broaden and deepen their cooperation with their neighbors.
“Relationships matter,” he continued. “Where they are strong, there is trust and transparency and a better chance for stability. Where they are weak or nonexistent, there is, at best, suspicion and, at worst, the very real risk of miscalculation.”
Mullen began the Asia trip at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Chen Bingde, who visited the Pentagon in May. The admiral said the meetings he took part in over several days in China were “productive and generally positive with respect to moving us closer to some sort of relationship.” He noted that the U.S. and Chinese militaries have not had “a sustained, reliable relationship.”
The chairman said he made clear in Beijing that “there’s just too much at stake for us not to have an understanding of one another.” But, he acknowledged, U.S. military leaders and those with the People’s Liberation Army have a long way to go.
“I am under no illusion that we have cemented anything like a partnership with the PLA,” he said. “Maybe we never will. Differences between us are still stark. But the work of establishing a relationship has to start somewhere. The exchanges and exercises we agreed to are good first steps, as are discussions we will soon have about the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement.”
U.S. allies should not be concerned about the country’s efforts at a military relationship with China, Mullen said.
“Relationships are not zero-sum affairs, replete with winners and losers,” he explained. “One relationship does not come at the expense of another. Nor does a relationship in the nascent stages of development unseat or make unsteady those that have been tempered over time and trial. Quite the contrary. A constructive [U.S.-China military] relationship is eventually good for everyone with whom we are close.”
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Fidel C. Hart, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) thanked more than a thousand 7th Fleet Sailors and Marines in Yokosuka Apr. 20 who participated in disaster relief operations off the coast of Japan.
The Honorable Ray Mabus expressed his gratitude to Sailors assigned 7th Fleet ships USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS Shiloh (CG 67), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), Stethem (DDG 63), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), and USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) who gathered at the Yokosuka waterfront for an all-hands call with SECNAV.
"To be as flexible as you were, to go from one mission to suddenly turn and do humanitarian assistance and disaster relief without costs, without changing any equipment, any people, changing any training and going from your normal day-to-day jobs without any hesitation and doing it so well, no other country can do that and no other service can do that like the people here," Mabus said.
Within hours of the earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan March 11, much of the U.S. 7th Fleet was on the move, re positioning ships and aircraft to assist the Japanese Self Defense Force in their relief efforts.
The U.S. Navy brought 22 ships, 132 aircraft and more than 15,000 personnel to conduct missions as part of Operation Tomodachi.
Tomodachi is the Japanese word for 'friendship.'
In the days and weeks that followed, 7th Fleet forces delivered more than 260 tons of relief supplies to groups of isolated people ashore. They systematically mapped and cleared harbors from obstuctions to navigation, provided fuel and supplies to Japanese ships and aircraft, and searched more than 2,000 square miles of ocean in a concerted effort to find the remains of victims.
"There is no other force in the world other than the United States Navy and Marine Corps that could have done what you all did," Mabus said.
Mabus said Operation Tomodachi demonstrated the U.S. commitment to its longtime alliance with Japan.
"The partnership between America and Japan was made stronger because of what you did," Mabus said.
Following the all-hands call, Mabus took questions from the collection of Sailors and Marines and took the time to personally meet with many of them.
By Lt. j.g. Benjamin Dunn, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Public Affairs
SENDAI, Japan (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 provided support for Joint Support Forces Japan (JSF-J) March 30 at a local Sendai, Japan, high school affected by the March 11 tsunami and earthquake.
Seven NMCB 133 Seabees operating out of Camp Sendai in the Miyagi Prefecture, were part of a 50-person joint-forces team tasked with supporting cleanup efforts at the Ishinomaki Technical High School.
More than 800 students, school staff and local residents were isolated on the second floor of the high school for two days without running water, while the first floor was flooded with mud and debris in the rush of the tsunami.
Service members from the U.S. Marines, Army, Air Force and Navy, in conjunction with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), joined school officials and students with the cleanup of the classrooms, common spaces and student hall. Heavily soiled walls and workstations were scrubbed. Floors were cleared of mud and mopped, and damaged furniture and debris were removed as the school was restored to working order.
"It was great to go out and get involved with the cleanup and assist in the recovery effort. You could tell the students and school staff were excited and very appreciative to receive our support," said Builder 1st Class Matthew Culberson, a Seabee from NMCB 133 who participated in the cleanup.
The Seabees, and civilian and military leadership, collaborated on site to direct the efforts. Seabees are intimately familiar with disaster recovery operations, especially to those of NMCB 133 and other Atlantic-based battalions whose Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss., homeport was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Disaster recovery is a primary mission of the U.S. Naval Construction Force, who train extensively for and excel in contingency operations.
The school's vice principal requested assistance with cleanup efforts to restore the school in time for the student's entrance exams.
Ishinomaki Technical High School was the first of many schools identified by the JGSDF slated to use U.S. forces in cleanup operations. The JGSDF has requested U.S. military assistance in clearing mud and heavy debris from the school grounds of over 40 damaged schools in the Miyagi Prefecture.
One of the benefits of clean up projects like this is, once schools are re-opened, students return to school and parents are free to return to work, and to contribute more to the recovery of their homes and towns. As children return to school, a sense of normality can be established while progress toward recovery is achieved with a greater sense of hope in the wake of the disaster.
NMCB has provided engineering and disaster-recovery subject matter expertise, and advisement of Naval Construction Force capability during humanitarian assistance and distaster relief efforts in the region.
Operation Tomodachi is a joint effort between the combined forces of the U.S. Military and the Japan Self-Defense Force aimed at facilitating recovery efforts in northeastern Japan.
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2011 – U.S. forces in Japan are engaged in one of the biggest natural and manmade disasters of a lifetime, Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard said here tonight.
Willard, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, spoke over the phone from Hawaii to the Pentagon press corps about what the U.S. military is doing to help the Japanese Self-Defense Force respond to the disaster caused by the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear emergency.
“At U.S. Pacific Command we’re all very saddened by the tremendous losses that the Japanese have experienced,” Willard said, adding that he has served twice in Japan during his Navy career.
In an effort Pacom is calling Operation Tomodachi -- the Japanese word for friendship -- “we are placing our very highest priority on our operations in support of our ally Japan,” the admiral said.
Willard’s command has Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army and Special Operations Command troops in Japan, Willard said, performing functions ranging from bringing food, water and other supplies to the more than 500,000 displaced citizens of northeast Honshu, Japan’s main island.
“We’re providing logistics support and in some cases direct support,” Willard said, noting that Gen. Ryoichi Oriki, the chief of staff of Japan’s Ground Self Defense Force and his troops are helping to mitigate situations near damaged nuclear power plants.
Willard said he and his wife will soon fly from Hawaii to Japan to “visit our forces and their families and engage our Japanese friends.”
“We’re confident that Japan will achieve a full recovery and we’ll do our utmost to ensure that happens,” he said.
Pacom has given Gen. Oriki “a long list of areas in which we believe we can help,” Willard said. “We’re also seeking additional ideas on unique technologies that we might bring in to help them with some of the most difficult parts of assessing the condition of the reactors and then responding to what they find.”
Willard said U.S. military forces have a multitude of capabilities that are being shared with the Japanese government and its military, and other organizations involved in the aid effort.
“We have tremendous logistics capabilities and we’re supplying relevant equipment to the Japanese as well as to U.S. government agencies as they come into support this effort,” he said.
Other U.S. capabilities, the admiral said, include radiological controls and teams in place to assist in everything from radiation monitoring to decontamination. Airborne systems are being flown on helicopters and airplanes to monitor radioactivity in the area.
“Where we encounter radiological effects we report those broadly within our own forces and to the Japanese,” Willard said.
Teams on the ground have monitoring equipment, he said, noting individuals are carrying dosimeters to monitor radioactivity and ships also can gauge such activity.
“We have assisted in bringing other systems into the country that are able to characterize some of the ground contamination should it occur,” the admiral said.
Those systems arrived into the region today, he said, and will fly on a regular basis to assist both the U.S. and Japanese governments in characterizing conditions around damaged nuclear facilities.
A nine-member team of military experts has arrived in Japan from U.S Northern Command to conduct a broad assessment of the situation throughout the disaster area, including the area around the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Willard said.
The team, he said, also will determine “whether or not we should rationalize bringing a larger force forward. I have requested a force of about 450 radiological and consequence management experts to be available to us there on a prepare-to-deploy order.”
Because of rising levels of radiation from the Fukushima plant, U.S. citizens are not allowed within 50 miles of the facility, Willard said.
“While the 50-mile limit is a good idea for much of the humanitarian assistance and disaster response effort that’s currently ongoing,” he added, “when necessary we will conduct operations inside that radius when they are in support of the Japanese Defense Forces.”
Willard said U.S. forces are working alongside people in organizations representing nearly 100 other countries that also are providing aid and support to the stricken Japanese populace.
“There’s a great synergy by the international community in this effort and we’re proud to be a part of it,” he said.
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2011 – Japan’s earthquake and tsunami are tragedies on an epic scale, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today, and the U.S. military will do all it can to help.
The United States has about 50,000 military personnel in Japan and already has responded to some immediate needs for the people of northern Japan.
“We’ve got about … a dozen ships that are either there or en route, a lot of aircraft associated with those ships.” Morrell said in an MSNBC interview this morning. “They have been doing search-and-rescue operations, and they have been providing relief supplies as well.”
The situation is further complicated by the conditions of Japanese nuclear plants affected by the quakes. Some Navy airmen and sailors participating in relief missions off the USS Ronald Reagan have been exposed to radiation that leaked from these plants. The exposure was at such low levels that they washed it off with soap and water, Morrell said.
“They've since moved the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group [from the] downwind area of that Fukushima plant,” Morrell said.
U.S. servicemembers are standing by to deliver what aid the Japanese need, and the number of U.S. personnel involved in aid efforts will rise and fall, depending on Japanese needs, he added.
The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group continues operations off the east coast of Honshu, Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said today. The United States has eight ships east of Honshu with five more on the way.
“In the upcoming days, the Ronald Reagan will serve as an afloat platform for helicopters from the Japan Self-defense Force, the Japanese coast guard and other civilian authorities,” Lapan said.
“We conducted air operations today with 10 helicopters from the Naval Station in Atsugi and the USS Reagan flying relief missions identifying people in need of assistance in the region of Minato, and delivered food and blankets,” he continued. The choppers also flew surveys of the at-sea debris field and flew search-and-rescue missions along the coast.
The USS Tortuga, with heavy-lift MH-53 helicopters, is steaming toward the eastern coast. “They will on-load 300 Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force personnel and 90 vehicles and deliver them to the northern tip of Honshu,” Lapan said. Other U.S. ships are expected to arrive in the area March 17.
The Navy has P-3 Orion aircraft flying to help in area surveying efforts.
Lapan said no U.S. bases are in the danger zone for radioactivity, and that there are no plans to evacuate any U.S. personnel or their families.
KAMI FURANO, Japan – “Move, move, move! Enemy fire at ; engage and fire! Cover me while I move! I’ve been hit; I need a medic!”
These are just a few of the commands barked by leaders of the Missouri Army National Guard amidst helicopters touching down in the landing zone, small-arms fire, mortars and grenade explosions as 1st Battalion, 138th Infantry Regiment based out of Kansas City, Mo., teamed with the 26th Infantry Regiment, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. The training exercise in northern Japan in early November was part of Orient Shield 11.
“This type of training experience only comes once in a blue moon,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Fujimoto of St. Louis, Mo., commander of the 138th. “The Japanese Ground Self- Defense Force is one of the most professional, modern and disciplined military organizations I have ever seen. Just to train with such a professional army is an experience in itself.”
Fujimoto said Orient Shield is a great opportunity for a reserve component to work with one of the United States’ biggest allies.
“Together we can accomplish more than either one of us could apart,” Fujimoto said.
The focus of the exercise was developing tactical, bilateral operations and war fighting skills between the U.S. and Japanese militaries.
“Our main goal is to enhance the interoperability between the U.S. and Japan,” said Col. Takeshi Hirano of Hiroshima, the regimental commander for 26th. “During this training we are learning the differences and similarities between the U.S. and Japan.”
This training came less than two months after tensions flared between Japan and other eastern nations over islands in the region. The dispute is of interest to the U.S. because of a half-century old agreement between America and Japan. In 1960, the two countries signed the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, a binding agreement for both countries to support each other from enemy attack.
“Exercises like this encourage enduring professional mutual engagements and good will between the U.S. and Japan as we strengthen our relationship,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Harrison, commander, United States Army Japan. “All participating U.S. Army units benefit in maintaining a bi-lateral partnership. Operations like Orient Shield serve as an opportunity to integrate and train all branches of the U.S. military, while building rapport between the U.S. and our allies.”
Approximately 400 soldiers from National Guard units in New Hampshire, Illinois, Washington, Nevada, California and Missouri participated in a two-week training exercise called Orient Shield 11. Over half of these soldiers were from the Missouri Army National Guard, who worked closely with their Japanese counterparts. The rest served as logistical support for the operation.
“This is a very important exercise,” said 1st Lt. Taihei Hongo of Tacoma, Wash., a U.S. linguist from the Washington Army National Guard’s 341st Military Intelligence team. Hongo was born in the United States, but has family in the U.S. and Japan. He has spent most of his life split between each country.
“Japan is one of our closest allies and someone we wouldn’t want to lose,” he said. “This has been a great experience. They are learning a lot from us and we are learning from them.”
One week of training allowed the two countries an opportunity to collaborate and exchange military strategies, before the operation culminated in a field training exercise combining all of the shared techniques into a battle scenario. It quickly became clear that the two sides use similar military tactics.
“Interacting with our Japanese counterparts showed that their tactics and procedures are almost identical to ours,” said 1st Sgt. Shannon Wilde of St. Elizabeth, Mo., first sergeant for Headquarters Company, 138th Infantry Battalion. “There are slight differences between us. There are some things they haven’t thought of and others that we haven’t thought of. It’s good to exchange ideas.”
Soldiers speaking two different languages are one of the most obvious difficulties, but translators helped fuse the gap to overcome the language barrier.
“Our counterparts perform the same jobs as we do, which makes it easier to communicate,” said Sgt. Akiko Oota of Chitose, Japan, a member of Japan’s 11th Infantry Regiment and a translator for the exercise.
Just as schools in the United States teach Spanish, Oota said Japanese students learn English in junior high and high school. This made training easier for the two allied nations.
“It has not been real hard,” said Spc. Chie Yang of Cassville, Mo., with the 138th, who spent one week before the mission educating himself on the Japanese language. “Many of them speak decent English, and when we do not understand each other we use hand signals.”
With wars ongoing in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. soldiers have had a lot of exposure to different cultures. Most soldiers working with the Japanese note distinct differences.
“The Japanese understand our language and culture better than the Iraqis and Afghans,” said Sgt. Tyrel Naugle of Boonville, Mo., a member of the 138th who deployed to Iraq twice and spent one overseas tour in Afghanistan. “We are similar in many ways, including how we operate on the battlefield.”
Sgt. 1st Class Bradford Connolly of Dunbarton, N.H., a member of the New Hampshire Army National Guard’s medical detachment, admits his best experience during the two-week exercise was working with his Japanese counterparts.
“I was so naïve to our relationship with Japan,” Connolly said. “Before this, all I really knew was what my wife’s grandfather said about Japan when he served during World War II.”
Training in rain, sleet and snow didn’t seem hurt morale. Many soldiers said the training surpassed their expectations and they learned a lot that could not be taught through training stateside.
“It is great to train in a realistic environment, and working with the Japanese in their own land is a unique experience,” said Pfc. Jake Fendrick of Rolla, Mo., a member of the 138th. “It’s nice to see their attitude in combat is similar to ours.”
Wilde smiled when remembering a comment one of his soldiers made during the training.
“They’re just like us,” this soldier told the first sergeant, after spending time talking to a few of the Japanese soldiers.
Wilde said his time interacting with the Japanese made one thing obvious to him.
“We all have something special that brought us into the military. Just like us, there was something inside of them that made them who they are, and encouraged them to be a soldier.”
This was the thirteenth year of Orient Shield, and U.S. and Japanese soldiers continue to strengthen a growing relationship.
“I would go to war teamed up with the Japanese any day,” said Pvt. Jonathan Rouse of Kansas City, Mo., a member of the 138th.
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