YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Units from Japan Self Defense Forces (JDSF) and U.S. military forces will conduct a bilateral command post exercise called Keen Edge 16 beginning Jan. 23, 2016.

The exercise, which will run until Jan. 29, is the latest in a series of joint/bilateral command post exercises involving U.S. military and JSDF personnel designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of U.S. forces and the JSDF.

Keen Edge has historically been part of an annual exercise series that alternates between field training exercises (called Keen Sword) and command post exercises. During Keen Edge 16, various Japanese and U.S. headquarters staffs will employ computer simulations to practice the steps they would take in the event of a crisis or contingency.

Command post exercises are a cost-effective way of providing military participants with realistic and unobtrusive training in a simulated crisis. Exercise participants will use a computer-based system, called the Joint Theater Level Simulation system, to direct and respond to exercise events. This system helps provide a realistic, though simulated, environment from which commanders and staffs improve their skills by anticipating and reacting in real-time to events generated by computer simulation.

Approximately 600 U.S. personnel will participate in Keen Edge 16, including those assigned to U.S. Forces, Japan Headquarters; 5th Air Force; U.S. Naval Forces, Japan; U.S. Army, Japan; Marine Forces, Japan.

The exercise will be directed by U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John L. Dolan, Commander, U.S. Forces, Japan, and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ADM Katsutoshi Kawano, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff.