Bilateral OPFOR team creates realistic combat simulation for YS65

Photo By Spc. Chalon Hutson | Lt. Col. Victor R. Sarkozi, the deputy commander for Opposition Forces during Operation Yama Sakura 65, a bilateral training exercise between the U.S. and Japan, confers with Japanese OPFOR personnel during YS65, at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Japan, Dec. 8. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Chalon Hutson, 301st Public Affairs Detachment.)  

CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

12.08.2013

Story by Spc. Chalon Hutson 

301st Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan – Operating on a modern-day battlefield requires one to adapt quickly to outthink and out-maneuver enemy forces. On a digital battlefield, it is vital that the virtual enemy provides the exercise units similar challenges.

The Opposing Force team for Operation Yama Sakura 65, a bilateral exercise teaming the U.S. with Japan, includes service members from both countries. Their job is to command enemy forces within the combat simulation, creating realistic situations for the allied forces.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Eastern Army Col. Hamasaki Katsushi, OPFOR commander, has greatly benefited from the insight of Americans, such as deputy OPFOR commander, Lt. Col. Victor R. Sarkozi, of the Utah National Guard.

“We provide combat experiences they might not have,” Sarkozi said. “We provide subject matter experts to explain to them how the U.S. would fight the battle, because that’s their opponent.”

The main forces of the U.S. and Japan are considered blue forces, or as Sarkozi described them, "the good guys," while the OPFOR are simulated "bad guys," who do not always abide by international laws of war.

As critical as the technical guidance and support for the Japanese is, Sarkozi said it was even more essential to communicate and build military relationships with other nations.

“I think the most important thing is to build good relationships with each other - to be friendly,” said Sgt. Sakamoto Hiroshi, a fire support coordination member of the JGSDF, assigned to 1st Artillery Unit from Camp Kita-Fuji, Japan. “Our final ending is one vision, so we have to try to accomplish the goal.”

Tatsuhiro said building mutual understanding is important because it helps operations run smoothly.

"It is very important to know each other,” he said. “A good relationship is important because people conduct operations, not machines. People are the most important factor in fighting."

Although the simulation is computer-based, people are commanding the virtual units. It is important to bring human decision-making into the scenario.

“I think that it is important to have actual live players playing the OPFOR,” said Master Sgt. Damon Harvey, Utah National Guard, noncommissioned officer in charge of the American OPFOR during YS65. “If we scripted the whole thing, I don’t think you would have the benefit of going against somebody who actually changes the plan and has the ability to adjust according to how the fight is going.”

The human aspect of the OPFOR creates an opportunity for the blue forces to have a challenging fight and to put their skills to the test. The Utah National Guard is providing 31 soldiers for the YS65 OPFOR mission. For soldiers in the National Guard, these challenging missions provide realistic training.

“It is beneficial to the Guard and Reserve because it gives them the opportunity to get a great experience that could be out of the norm from their drill weekends,” Harvey said. “It’s important not to forget that we fight alongside the active duty soldiers in theater.”

• Date Taken: 12.08.2013
• Date Posted: 12.09.2013 07:12
• Story ID: 117924
• Location: CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JP
• Hometown: VINEYARD, UT, US