Photo By Jeremy Croft | Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commanding general, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine...... read more read more
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COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, Japan – Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, visited the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, to observe the battalion’s preparations for artillery training as part of Artillery Relocation Training Program 11-1 at the East Fuji Maneuver Area June 16.
The purpose of ARTP is to sustain unit proficiency in all weapon systems used by artillery units in order to maintain combat readiness in support of the U.S.-Japan security alliance.
“I came up here to Camp Fuji for two purposes,” said Brilakis. “The first was to thank Col. Kozeniesky [commanding officer, Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji] for his Marines’ participation during Operation Tomodachi, and the second was to see 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines.”
“This place – Combined Arms Training Center at Camp Fuji – is very important to the Marine Corps; it’s a great opportunity to hone our war-fighting skills,” said Brilakis.
According to Brilakis, this training is essential to maintaining the ability of 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, to fulfill their mission.
“All the training we do within 3rd Marine Division is focused on being a ready battalion, regiment and division to ‘deal with today’s crisis, with today’s forces, today,’” said Brilakis. “That [quote] came from Gen. Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps, when he visited Okinawa.”
“It’s critical for us to maintain our fighting edge and to be able to execute our mission as part of the U.S-Japan security alliance,” said Brilakis.
During his visit, Brilakis spoke to the Marines of 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, about operational readiness, the future of artillery in the Marine Corps, the recent visit to Okinawa by the commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps, and the importance of 3rd MarDiv. in the Asia-Pacific region.
“[3rd Bn., 12th Marines] is a direct support artillery battalion for 4th Marine Regiment,” said Brilakis. “They provide support to 3rd MarDiv. in any tactical mission they are tasked with.”
As a career artillery officer, Brilakis takes a special interest in watching artillery units at work.
In addition to speaking with the Marines, Brilakis also observed surveyors preparing the East Fuji Maneuver Area for live-fire training and met with battalion leadership and local Japanese officials.
“The training is done in close coordination with the Japan Self-Defense Force and also the local communities here,” said Brilakis. “We are fortunate to have a great relationship with the local communities.”
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.17.2011 03:08 |
| Story ID: | 72242 |
| Location: | CAMP FUJI, AICHI, JP |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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