Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Howard Reed | Japanese soldiers are welcomed to the 83rd Ordnance Battalion headquarters in Kure,...... read more read more
AKIZUKI, Kure, Japan – The 83rd Ordnance Battalion hosted 14 soldiers from the 46th Infantry, 13th Brigade, Japanese Ground-Self Defense Force for an English class on Oct. 24 at its headquarters.
Master Sgt. Kevin Jenkins, battalion maintenance supervisor, 83rd Ordnance Battalion, has organized many of the English classes since he arrived at the unit two years ago. He says the class is one of several bilateral engagements the 83rd conducts to strengthen and enhance the relationships between American and Japanese soldiers.
“We take advantage of the bilateral opportunities with our neighbors. This gives us a chance to not only share our language and culture with our counterparts but they get learn and appreciate our backgrounds as individuals,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins added the classes are structured with the basics in mind and geared toward the average person who does not have experience with the English language.
The English classes play a vital role in that it helps to develop communication skills between American and Japanese soldiers. American troops often partner with Japanese soldiers during exercises throughout the United States Army Japan’s command like the recent Orient Shield, Keen Sword and Yama Sukara.
Sgt. 1st Class Takatoshi Izumi, 46th Infantry, 13th Bde., whom 83rd soldiers affectionately referred to as “Robocop,” says he started attending the class a few years ago and helps Japanese soldiers understand and appreciate the English culture.
“The focus of these classes are very significant especially for younger non-commissioned officers who at some point will work alongside international military service members. It provides Japanese soldiers with basic skills allowing them to be successful in speaking and learning English,” said Izumi.
Throughout the facility it was apparent to see that both American and Japanese soldiers were excited and glad to interact with one another. A few attendees get to see each other once a month fostering friendships that last a lifetime.
Jenkins said the class and other bilateral events and activities demonstrate to the local and regional communities that our two countries can work together dispelling myths some might have about the Hiroshima Prefecture.
“It’s a good feeling to work alongside Japanese soldiers especially because of the history of Hiroshima and this says a lot about the relationship between our two countries,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 10.24.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.07.2012 23:22 |
| Story ID: | 97463 |
| Location: | HIROSHIMA, JP |
| Web Views: | 79 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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