31st MEU, JGSDF execute small-unit training [Image 2 of 4]

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

02.05.2014

Photo by Pfc. Brian Bekkala 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

Senior officers of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler, far right, observe a terrain model during a visit with Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, at the Central Training Area Feb. 5. As part of the Japan Observer Exchange Program, a platoon of JGSDF members spent weeks living and integrating with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during the MEU’s pre-deployment training in to better understand amphibious operations and enhance security and stability of the region. The involvement of JGSDF soldiers in the MEU’s regularly-scheduled training comes in conjunction with the April 2012 U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee, also known as the 2+2, statement calling for enhanced bilateral security and defensive cooperation. Wissler is the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force and commander of Marine Forces Japan. BLT 2/5 is with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III MEF.

• Date Taken: 02.05.2014
• Date Posted: 03.12.2014 02:39
• Photo ID: 1184527
• VIRIN: 140206-M-GR217-418
• Resolution: 5760x3840
• Size: 2.09 MB
• Location: CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JP