TOKYO, Japan -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Japan Ground Self Defense Force Engineer School continue to strengthen their bonds of partnership and share best military engineering practices.
On 4 April 2019, representatives of the JGSDF Engineer School visited Camp Zama as part of the bilateral exchange program between United States Army Japan, the Japan Engineer District, and the JGSDF Engineer School. This one-day event provided a forum for leaders to exchange ideas on mission-related topics, broaden their understanding of each country’s mission, and strengthen the existing alliance between JGSDF and U.S. Forces.
“Exchange programs are an important and meaningful way to expand our understanding of each other’s mission in ways that strengthen our partnership and the Alliance between U.S. forces and the JGSDF,” said JED Commander COL Thomas J. Verell. We enjoyed having the opportunity to host our Japanese counterparts and share technical and tactical capabilities with one of our country’s most important partners.”
Colonel Minoru Shiraishi (Chief Instructor, JGSDF Engineer School), two of his staff, and thirteen students visited the 4th Engineer Group, JGSDF Headquarters where they received a brief from Colonel Masayuki Amako, Commander, 4th Engineer Group, followed by a short tour of the Joint Operations Center and museum.
Next, they visited the Japan Engineer District, United States Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters where they received a capabilities brief from Colonel Thomas Verell, Commander Japan Engineer District, and a strategic environment brief from Mr. Eric Stainbrook United States Army Japan.
Following a group luncheon where current advances in technical and tactical capabilities were discussed, the group proceeded to Sagami General Depot where they received a tour of the new Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility under construction, the USARJ Mission Training Complex, the Army Prepositioned Stock (APS-4) Force Provider Warehouse, and the Training Support Center where the students trained with some of U.S. Army simulators.
“Overall, this was a great way to share personal experiences on how each country operates within our unique mission sets,” said JED Commander COL Thomas J. Verell. We are enthusiastic about our continued partnership with JGSDF, and look forward to the next visit. One Team!”