CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN -- Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 15th Brigade joined U.S. service members for the annual Guard and Protect, an observe and exchange event, Oct. 6-8 aboard Camp Foster, and various U.S. military installations across Okinawa, Japan.

The three-day event strengthened the interoperability between U.S. and JGSDF service members, better enabling them to defend installations through the observation and exchange of tactical procedures and operational concepts.

“Working with our host nation allows JGSDF and U.S. service members to broaden their skill sets and keep good faith and confidence in their ability to defend installations across Okinawa,” said Patrick Adams, the installation protection director of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. “During this exchange, we worked to improve bilateral communications, learn the basic fundamentals of logistics support, and build on the cooperation between the two forces.”

During the event, Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force worked together with members of the JGSDF to enhance their skills in troop movement as well as communications.

“One of the main concepts we exchanged was troop movement and communications, which consisted of different types of patrols and the use of hand and arm signals,” said Pfc. William Smith, an engineer equipment operator with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd MarDiv, III MEF. “We also had the opportunity to show them how we move in convoys and tactical vehicles and observe their methods as well.”

One of the practical application segments of the exchange covered night patrolling. Service members split into groups and used night vision and hand and arm signals to maintain noise and light discipline while covering their assigned areas.

“Our mission is to protect the military bases across Okinawa.” said JGSDF Maj. Gen. Tomofusa Hanada, the 15th Brigade Commanding General. “The mutual understanding is very important for our operations. This kind of occasion is very good for our soldiers to understand the culture and operations of the Marines. I think the U.S. Marine Corps is one of the JGSDF’s best friends. I look forward to further enhancing our cooperation in the future.”

After service members completed their troop movement scenarios, they focused on setting up base security.

“Despite the language barrier, we were able to communicate effectively,” said Smith, a Celina, Texas, native. “As this training progressed, we realized that even though we have different methods of operations, we have the same mission to guard and protect.”