Missouri Army National Guard Soldiers, Japanes Military Exchange Military Strategies<br />

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers with the Missouri Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 138th Infantry Regiment based in Kansas City work with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, 26th Infantry Regiment to cross a river during training at Kami-Furano, Japan. Approximately 200 soldiers with the Missouri Army National Guard are part of a 400-person team working with the Japanese military during a two-week exercise in northern Japan. The operation officially kicked off Nov. 2 and concludes Nov. 11. (Photos by: Sgt. 1st Class Mike Chrisman)  

KUMI-FURANO, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

11.04.2010

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Japan

Story by: Sgt. 1st Class Mike Chrisman

KAMI-FURANO, Japan – One word could describe the military – teamwork. U.S. and Japanese soldiers are spending two weeks in northern Japan enhancing a bilateral team that has been growing for a half century.

“A lot has changed in the U.S. since World War II,” said Pfc. Bryan Tincknell of St. Louis, Mo., a member of the Missouri Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 138th Infantry Regiment based in Kansas City, Mo. “Japan has also changed. We have been working with them for years and we have learned to work with one another.”

In 1960, the U.S. and Japan signed the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, which was a binding agreement for both countries to support each other from enemy attack. During the two-week Orient Shield exercise in Kami-Furano, Japan, in early November, approximately 400 National Guard members from five states are working with approximately 200 soldiers from the Japanese military.

Different languages create minor obstacles in exchanging military strategies, but soldiers are finding ways to communicate with their Japanese counterparts.

“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.”

Approximately 200 soldiers with the Missouri Army National Guard are paired with approximately 200 soldiers from the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, 26th Infantry Regiment, to help hone the military skills of both units.

During a river crossing exercise, Japanese soldiers secured a half mile of woodland, while the Missouri National Guard troops crossed a river and secured an area ahead of the contingency. This allowed the Japanese soldiers to cross the river knowing they were in a safe area after clearing the danger zone.

“This is very similar to what I did with the Serbian Army in Kosovo a few years ago,” said Sgt. Kim Fugiwara of Festus, Mo. “The only real difference is the terrain. We are here to work together and protect each other.”

This was the thirteenth year of Orient Shield, with U.S. and Japanese soldiers continuing to strengthen a growing relationship. The operation officially kicked off Nov. 2 and concludes Nov. 11.

The training exercise includes logistical support from National Guardsmen in New Hampshire, Illinois, Washington and Nevada.

• Date Taken: 11.04.2010
• Date Posted: 11.05.2010 00:31
• Story ID: 59457
• Location: KUMI-FURANO, HOKKAIDO, JP