YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Improving interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, or Koku-Jieitai, becomes increasingly important to accomplish the bilateral mission.

Three members from the 374th Operations Support Squadron Intelligence Flight and six JASDF Intelligence officers participated in a U.S. Air Force-JASDF Squadron Level Exchange on Oct. 5 and 6, 2017, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The primary purpose of this event was to exchange practices between U.S. Air Force and JASDF intelligence officers for briefing air crews, and to foster better integration during potential multinational real-world events and exercises like Red Flag and Cope North.

The event was divided into two parts. The first part featured bilateral briefings and discussions regarding intelligence support to airlift wing operations. The second part of the event consisted of two mission planning scenarios that were designed to help the JASDF prepare for their upcoming participation in Cope North '18, a multilateral field training exercise focusing on air combat tactics and large force employment in an effort to enhance interoperability among the U.S. and its partners.

“Both of the scenarios featured challenging mission planning conditions in order to simulate real-world obstacles to providing the air superiority necessary for freedom of action during a crisis or contingency,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Justin Simmons, 374 OSS senior intelligence officer

During the exchange, JASDF personnel briefed U.S. Air Force members of a simulated personnel recovery operation and built simulated pre-mission briefs by extracting relevant information from simulated events and applicable air operation directives.

“This kind of familiarization builds more understanding of the common roles, missions and functions, acting as a venue to share best practices, and enabling better support to multinational operations and exercise,” said Simmons.

A similar event was done in May, with the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa AB, Japan, further increasing interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the Koku-Jieitai.

“These exchanges have not only helped both sides prepare for multilateral exercises such as Red Flag and Cope North but they have paved the way for increased interoperability between our two services,” Simmons said.