U.S, Japanese soldiers complete largest ever bilateral exercise
The U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) completed their largest ever bilateral field training exercise in Japan as Resolute Dragon 21 came to a close Dec. 17, 2021.
More than 4,000 troops from 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF’s 9th Division, North Eastern Army combined to rehearse tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). Hundreds more from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, and Space Force supported the bilateral exercise, executing integrated operations across more than 1,800 miles of the Japanese archipelago and incorporating 12 expeditionary advanced bases (EABs).
“This training is important to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Japan – deepening mutual understanding of capabilities, equipment, and fighting methods to mutually improve tactical skills,” said Col. Akira Kuroha, Chief of Staff of the JGSDF 9th Division.