Photos courtesy of 10th Support Group ()
Through a series of bilateral events, the relationship between Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 10th Support Group and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's 5th Air Defense Missile Group has never been better.
In 2022 alone, the two units have met more than a dozen times to exchange ideas, educate each other about equipment, personnel and process or simply to have fun playing sports and barbecuing.
"The purpose of these events is to bring the two units closer together through camaraderie and basic understanding of each other's mission and culture," said Shigehiro Yabiku, the 10th Support Group's community relations officer.
So far in 2022, three language and culture exchanges have occurred between the two services and an additional fourth one is in the planning phase.
The relationship is mainly fostered on the JASDF side by Warrant Officer Koji Tsubone, the senior enlisted advisor for the 5th ADMG.
"We are excited to continue this partnership. The U.S. and Japan are such good allies. It is important that we understand each other personally but also have a working knowledge of operations, capabilities and ways to support," said Tsubone.
Many of the previous engagements between the partnering units have been focused on overall missions. Future engagements will focus on departmental partnerships and information sharing as well.
"We are working on a plan to have departments like our S4 Supply and the JASDF supply tour and teach each other the differences and similarities of routine things like the DRMO process," said Yabiku.
Soldiers within the 10th SG and 5th ADMG are encouraged to sign up as participants. One of the added benefits for the 5th ADMG personnel is a chance to develop trainings, presentations and briefings in English. This helps Japanese service members increase their language proficiency.
"One of the things I took away from the tour of Naha Air Base was how professional the JASDF were. I was impressed that even their lower-ranking personnel were able to construct training briefings for us. We are very different, but we share a common bond in our dedication to keeping our countries safe through our service," said Sgt. Ryan Darling, a 10th Support Group human resources specialist.
