MEDDAC-Japan, JGSDF units participate in TC3 training

Photo By Alia Naffouj | : MEDDAC-Japan Soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members prepare the mock casualty for movement during the bi-lateral, TC3 training April 28 at Camp Zama’s Dewey Park. (U.S. Army photo by Alia Naffouj)  

JAPAN

05.09.2016

Story by Alia Naffouj 

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan (May 9, 2016) — Soldiers from U.S. Army Medical Activity-Japan conducted joint, tactical combat casualty care training with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members April 28 at Camp Zama’s Dewey Park.

Capt. James Primm, deputy chief information officer assigned to MEDDAC-Japan, said the purpose of the event was “to share and practice” combat first aid skills between MEDDAC-Japan and JGSDF units to improve medical care skills and strengthen both nation’s cooperation.

“Today we had a bi-lateral exercise event with the JGSDF (members) and the MEDDAC Japan Soldiers, and we were going over the TC3, which is incorporating medical treatments into a tactical environment,” said Sgt. Daniel Galvez, health care specialist assigned to MEDDAC-Japan.

The training was conducted in medical lanes, which covered three phases of casualty care training and incorporated the medical interventions and equipment used by Soldiers — providing JGSDF an opportunity to get a better understanding of how we employ medical treatments in a tactical scenario, said Galvez.

Although it was raining, the training continued as scheduled.

Spc. Mathew Jansen, medical logistics specialist assigned to MEDDAC-J, said the biggest challenge besides being wet all the time was how slippery the area was, especially when going down the hill during the first phase.

Jansen said this was his first time participating and his main role was providing security and helping transport the casualty.

“I think even though language was a problem there for a little bit, we actually did pretty well without too many difficulties at all,” he said.
Leading Pvt. Shinpei Mimura, JGSDF member from a countermeasure medical unit of the Central Readiness Force, said the training was really good and helpful.

“There were some difficulties for sure, but interpreters were there for us to translate each time by gestures,” he said.

Some JGSDF members came from locations beyond Camp Zama.

“We are here from Camp Narashino just for this training,” said 2nd Lt. Yutaka Taniguchi, JGSDF 1st Airborne Brigade. “We did the same training before, but this time, we learned some new things,” said Taniguchi.

Sgt. Daniel Galvez said this training is held roughly twice a year and hopes it will continue in the future.

“I truly hope that the JGSDF got a better, more in-depth understanding on how we approach medical treatments in a tactical environment,” he said.

• Date Taken: 05.09.2016
• Date Posted: 05.09.2016 01:42
• Story ID: 197631
• Location: JP