CAMP SCHWAB, Japan — Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri received a tour here Aug. 19 by Col. Stephen M. Neary to observe preparations being made to facilitate the arrival of infantry units to the island.
During the tour, Neary, commanding officer of 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Camp Schwab commander, demonstrated the camp’s readiness to resume the unit deployment program for infantry battalions to Talleri, commanding general of Marine Corps Base Camp Butler and deputy commander of Marine Corps Bases Japan.
UDP allows units to shift geographical locations and serve under another command during a temporary assignment.
“4th Marines and Camp Schwab are prepared for the return of infantry battalions,” said Neary.
Talleri expressed his approval of the camp and its amenities.
“You have the space you need, and you are prepared to take on a battalion right now,” said Talleri.
Historically, two to three infantry battalions from around the Corps rotated for six-month deployments to Okinawa. The Marines lived, trained and participated in III MEF theater-security cooperation exercises throughout the Asia-Pacific region, explained Neary.
“Marine Corps Bases Japan used to be home to infantry battalions with UDP, and now that we are taking Marines out of Afghanistan, we’d like to bring the program back,” said Neary.
“The infantry battalions reporting to 4th Marines will participate in theater-security cooperation exercises, so they are always prepared for real-world contingency operations,” Neary added.
Units deploying under the UDP will be under the operational and administrative control of 3rd MarDiv and assigned to 4th Marines on Camp Schwab.
“The resumption of the infantry battalion unit deployment program is a top priority for 3rd Marine Division,” said Brig. Gen. Frederick M. Padilla, commanding general of 3rd MarDiv. “Our ability to be effectively engaged in the Pacific will be greatly enhanced by these forward-deployed units.”
Camp Schwab is also home to Combat Assault Battalion and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, both part of 3rd MarDiv, making the camp entirely capable of taking on UDP battalions, according to Neary.
During the tour, Talleri observed the armory, motor-transport garages and buildings that will be used to facilitate on-island training and exercises throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Neary assured Talleri that there are barracks and plenty of supplies available for the infantry battalions.