Photo By Lance Cpl. Camila Garibay | U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine...... read more read more
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HIJUDAI, JAPAN- U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, participated in a field exercise alongside the Japanese Self-Defense Forces during Resolute Dragon 26 at Japan Self-Defense Force Hijudai Maneuver Area, Oita Prefecture, Japan, June 20-28, 2026.
Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self- Defense Forces personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain.
For Charlie Company, RD26 provided an opportunity to test their ability to operate in unfamiliar terrain, sustain operations in austere conditions, and make decisions under pressure. Throughout the exercise, Marines and Sailors were tested by adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain that demanded adaptability, teamwork, and resilience to accomplish their assigned missions.
U.S. Navy Hospitalman 3rd Class Seryna Awan, a corpsman with 12th LCT, faced one of those challenges during the force-on-force portion of RD26 when she treated 11 simulated casualties during a mass casualty scenario.
“It definitely opened my eyes to see how differently you have to do things based on the tactical scenario,” said Awan, “while facing one of the biggest obstacles, the terrain.”
Awan had to maneuver with casualties through steep, uneven terrain while providing medical care during a dynamic tactical scenario. With the assistance of Combat Life Saver-certified Marines, Awan was able to prioritize and treat simulated critical patients while maneuvering through open terrain and maintaining mobility with the rest of the Company.
The mortar section encountered additional challenges as heavy rainfall threatened their ability to employ their weapon systems effectively.
“Our biggest obstacle was the rain,” said Cpl. Wilmer Benitez-Deras, a mortarman with 12th LCT. “We couldn’t risk misfires.”
To mitigate the effects of the weather, the mortarmen had to adapt their procedures by using muzzle caps to prevent water from entering the mortar tubes and ensure their systems remained ready to support the frontline when the mission required.
Maintaining mortar capabilities is vital to the company as it provides infantry units with organic, on-demand, and all-weather indirect fire, allowing them to engage with targets behind physical obstacles, for instance, buildings and hills, without relying on heavier off-site artillery or air support.
Beyond operating through harsh weather conditions, Charlie Company Marines were also required to make complex decisions while maneuvering through unfamiliar terrain at night.
During a night reconnaissance patrol as part of the simulated force-on-force scenario, riflemen discovered an unknown camp. Cpl. Myles Lucas, a squad leader with 12th LCT, assessed the surrounding area alongside three other Marines.
“My RD experience was challenging,” said Lucas. “Being a squad leader for the first time and bad weather was definitely an obstacle.”
After noticing a gate guard positioned differently than previously observed, Lucas evaluated the situation and communicated his decision to maneuver his team closer while maintaining concealment. His team successfully surrounded the guard without alerting potential enemies in the area, demonstrating their ability to adapt, communicate, and make sound tactical decisions in an unfamiliar environment.
The ability to operate and execute under pressure reflected the strength and readiness of Charlie Company. Through RD26, the Marines of Charlie Company demonstrated that they’re prepared to respond and succeed in a contested environment, in every clime and place, no matter the conditions.
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.05.2026 20:46 |
| Story ID: | 571364 |
| Location: | OITA, JP |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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