By Aaron Hostutler
3rd Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – Two noncommissioned officers with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force are currently attending a Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Corporals' Course on Camp Foster.
The two sergeants are attending the course as part of the Japanese Observer Exchange Program, which is designed to increase the interoperability of the two fighting forces by exchanging service members, according to JGSDF Sgt. Yasuhiko Sato, a Sergeants' Course instructor with Infantry Training Company, 2nd Sergeant Training Unit, Northeastern Army Combined Group.
The soldiers attended a Corporals' Course rather than a Sergeants' Course because the rank of sergeant in the JGSDF is equivalent to the rank of corporal in the Marines.
"A lot of soldiers want to come to this course," said JGSDF Sgt. Tatsuya Kai, an inscription specialist with 8th Division, 8th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Western army. "It is a prize goal of Japanese noncommissioned officers to get picked to attend. Only two soldiers are chosen each year."
Sato and Kai were selected according to their position in the JGSDF Sergeants' Course, their scores in their physical fitness test and their performance in English class.
"In this course, I hope to learn a lot about Marines and how they operate," Sato said. "So when I go back to (Mainland) Japan, I can teach and motivate the other soldiers."
One of the main lessons the Japanese soldiers have learned about Marines is the pride they take in their work, according to Kai. "Marines have a lot of pride in their jobs and in training other Marines to be the best."
So far, they have taken part in Marine Corps physical training, close order drill, sword manual and classes about Marine Corps battle skills and leadership.
"I really enjoy the drill," Kai said. "In Japan, we don't use the sword, so learning the sword manual and the different steps involved in drill was very exciting."
During drill practice, they learned how to form for exercising, conduct facing movements and march.
While drill is part of the course, the majority of their time is spent in the classroom.
"I have learned a lot from the classes," Sato said. "I was very surprised about how detailed Marines are."
Even though the soldiers have learned a lot from the class so far, they have encountered some problems along the way.
"One of the difficult things for me was trying to understand all of the English," Sato said. "There were many abbreviations that made it hard to understand."
Despite their hardships, the two soldiers have made it through the first two weeks and are excited about the remainder of the course.
"This experience has given me a wider view on things," said Sato. "Not only has this benefited me in a military sense, I think it has benefited me personally as well."
| Date Taken: |
03.14.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
03.15.2008 05:06 |
| Story ID: |
17391 |
| Location: |
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| Web Views: |
81 |
| Downloads: |
23 |
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