Annual Program Introduces JGSDF Soldiers to U.S. Army Japan Operations
By Tetsuo NakaharaCamp Zama Public Affairs
CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Approximately 15 members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force are experiencing daily life in the U.S. Army Oct. 7 through Dec. 18 during the U.S. Army Japan-JGSDF cooperative work program here.
USARJ and the JGSDF have been running the co-op program for 16 years, and this is the 54th group of JGSDF soldiers to participate. Each member of the co-op group was sponsored by different units in Camp Zama, whose Soldiers demonstrated their regular base duties.
The program gives the JGSDF soldiers an opportunity to stay at Camp Zama to learn the USARJ mission, and to take an intensive language class for two months. They also take an Army Physical Fitness Test and participate in other Army activities.
On Nov.19, the group participated in combat lifesaver training led by Soldiers from BG Crawford F. Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic at Dewey Park. Twenty-two members from JGSDF Middle Army also observed the training during their two-day tour at Camp Zama.
"It has been very interesting and a great live-learning opportunity," said Capt. Yuichi Watanabe, officer in charge for the 54th co-op group from the JGSDF Central Readiness Force at Camp Asaka. "The CLS training is more for medical units in JGSDF, but in U.S. Army, it's for all the Soldiers. It was a very good experience to see all the equipment they use. I got some ideas to bring back to the JGSDF. The English skills we learned in this program also gave us self-confidence."
U.S. Soldiers demonstrated various CLS skills, including how to use medical equipment such as splints and gauze, basic first-aid skills, and IV injection treatment.
"It is a good opportunity for our Soldiers to work with JGSDF soldiers and show what we do to take care of lives," said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Ybarra, a detachment sergeant at the BG Sams clinic. "It's good to see the reaction on [the Japanese soldiers'] faces. They are always eager to learn new things and put eyes on what's going on. They actually want to learn the things that will make their training better."
During the co-op program, the JGSDF soldiers also host briefings on their units and certain aspects of Japanese culture. Experiencing life as a U.S. Soldier stationed at Camp Zama is giving them an opportunity not only to improve their English-speaking skills, but also to help building friendships and share their cultures, the Japanese soldiers said.
"It's been so much fun," said Sgt. 1st Class Akiko Tahara, assigned to the JGSDF Middle Army Military Police Group at Camp Itami. "I enjoy the friendships I have made with the U.S. Soldiers a lot. They are very friendly and easygoing. Also, I'm very impressed with the function of NCOs in U.S. Army. I really want to make it as a model and blend it into the JGSDF."
(Posted Dec. 3, 2009)