Possible Shared Training with JGSDF

Photo By Sgt. Jessica Etheridge | The Japan Ground Self Defense Force sent five observers to the Jungle Warfare Training Center, to observe U.S. Marine Corps tactics, at Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, May 19, 2016. The JGSDF observed 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, while they complete the 5-day Course. The five day course gives Marines the skills to shoot, move and communicate in a jungle environment. The JSTF potentially wants to join the Marines on the training base so that the two forces can work together effectively in the jungle terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jessica N. Etheridge/ Released)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

05.19.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Jessica Etheridge 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

The Japan Ground Self Defense Force observed U.S. military tactics at the Jungle Warfare Training Center to potentially start a joint-training base at Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, May 19, 2016.
“The Japanese military has currently sent observers to JWTC and allowed them to see just how we do our training,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Ryland E. Matthews, a squad advisor and staff member at JWTC, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “They are potentially going to make JWTC a joint-training base between both forces.”
The JGSDF followed along with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistic Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, as they participated in the 5-day course.
“JWTC 5-day Course gives Marines the skills they need to shoot, move and communicate in an environment presented by the jungle,” said Matthews.
JWTC challenges individuals for the rigors of combat in a dense, jungle environment as well as builds upon small unit leadership, a tactical mindset and unit cohesion.
“With our Japanese partners out here observing, it potentially increases our capacity for interoperability in the future,” said 2nd Lt. Eric Mullery, the 1st plt. cmdr. with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “Our forces would be able to work together in a jungle environment.”

• Date Taken: 05.19.2016
• Date Posted: 05.24.2016 00:35
• Story ID: 198847
• Location: OKINAWA, JP