CAMP ZAMA, Japan – For the first time in his life, LTG Charles D. Luckey, chief, U.S. Army Reserve, set foot on Japanese soil Aug. 24, 2016, to meet with his fellow Reserve and active duty Soldiers working and training in Camp Zama.

“Until today, I have never ventured west of Hawaii,” said Luckey. “I’m happy to have this fantastic opportunity to learn and appreciate what the Army is doing in Japan.”

Luckey’s short yet informative tour of U.S. Army Japan included an office call with Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette, commanding general, USARJ. Their conversation about the close relationship between USARJ and the Army Reserve was followed by a formal briefing that introduced Luckey and his team to USARJ’s unique vision, mission and organization.

“This meeting helped explain the regional significance of Japan and the Army Reserve’s critical role in ensuring USARJ meets its mission requirements,” said Col. Stephen J. Grabski, deputy commander, USARJ. “Without the Army Reserve’s support, we could neither effectively respond to the many strategic challenges in the Pacific, nor could we maintain our strong bilateral partnership with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.”

“The Army Reserve is a force provider for America’s Army,” added Luckey. “We proudly share our capabilities with our active duty partners, and in doing so we support U.S. and allied forces in Korea and Japan as they face the many challenges and potential threats in the Pacific.”

Before departing USARJ headquarters, Luckey and his staff observed more than a dozen Army Reserve Soldiers working with American and Japanese service members participating in Ulchi Freedom Guardian, a multinational, staff level exercise that simulates a crisis on the Korean peninsula.

“UFG evaluates USARJ and our Japanese partners’ ability to support a major contingency operation in Korea,” said Grabski. “As a phase zero headquarters, USARJ is responsible for managing a crisis at the strategic level. With limited time and manpower at our immediate disposal, we must quickly assemble a team of experts and specialists. UFG proves that the Army Reserve has a ready supply of them.”

“The Army Reserve Soldiers assigned here will help me find the perfect balance between building readiness and providing capacity,” said Luckey. “Their training and experience will help The Army Reserve support current and future missions in Japan from a warfighting perspective.”

Luckey concluded his tour with a luncheon attended by scores of Army Reserve Soldiers. The gathering gave the gathering a rare opportunity to ask questions directly to Luckey about the Army Reserve’s recent achievements, current programs and future outlook. The event also provided a forum to promote Luckey’s vision for the Army Reserve.

“I am humbled by the responsibility to lead you into the future,” Luckey said to his troops. “Together with our outstanding leadership, abundant energy and flawless execution, we will embark on this amazing journey to make the Army Reserve most lethal, capable and combat ready force America has ever seen.”

Within hours after the luncheon, Luckey and his team boarded a plane bound for Korea where they will continue actively engaging with Army Reserve Soldiers who serve and protect the people of the United States from halfway around the world.