Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force’s sergeant major visits Fort Bliss

Photo By Amabilia Payen | Japanese Command Sgt. Maj. Yoshiaki Suzuki observes a live fire range conducted by U.S. Soldiers from the tower at Range 62, June 11, during a visit to Dona Ana Range and McGregor Range, N.M.  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

06.11.2015

Story by Amabilia Payen 

Mobilization and Deployment, DPTMS Fort Bliss

FORT BLISS, Texas – The sergeant major of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, Japanese Command Sgt. Maj. Yoshiaki Suzuki, visited Japanese troops training here, June 11, as part of the continuing partnership efforts between Japan and the U.S.A.

Starting with an office call with Command Sgt. Maj. Lance Lehr, senior enlisted adviser, 1st Armored Division, Suzuki was escorted by the Unit Training and Certification staff and exchanged training information with Lehr. After a few gift presentations, Lehr accompanied Suzuki and his group to the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy to attend the Student Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the graduation of the school’s international students, which included a few Japanese soldiers.

“Being good partners with other nations is a fundamental priority for me as well as the Division,” said Lehr. “Hosting Suzuki was a great opportunity to continue to develop a professional friendship with an ally, as well as a personal friendship that started a couple years ago. I want to help the Japanese continue to develop their noncommissioned officer corps, as well as learn from them to help better our NCO Corps.”

Lehr invited Suzuki to visit the Fort Bliss Simulations Center and facilities. Suzuki was able to understand the training the Soldiers receive by attempting to sample the simulation devices, one of which included the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000.

Suzuki then visited Range 62, where he observed U.S. Soldiers conduct a live fire exercise. Thereafter, a visit to McGregor Range, New Mexico led Suzuki to observe and evaluate the Hawk and Chu-SAM missile facilities, where his Japanese troops train.

Satisfied with the visit, Suzuki presented Japanese coins to Lehr and the group of the UT&C, claiming visits like these help further strengthen the partnership between the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Army.

“The Japanese Ground and Air Self-defense forces have been coming to Fort Bliss for over 50 years. This is a fantastic relationship that we must continue to nurture,” said Lehr.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2015
• Date Posted: 07.07.2015 15:20
• Story ID: 169284
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US
• Hometown: FORT BLISS, TX, US