TORII STATION, Japan - Five soldiers from the 10th Regional Support Group S-2 Intelligence Section and 10 soldiers from the 15th Brigade, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force G-2, engaged in the first intelligence bilateral exchange July 23 at Torii Station, which consisted basic soldiering skills as well as intelligence analytical techniques.
"This was the first professional exchange of its type. Focusing on learning a skill set not only from the U.S. military with soldiering skills, but more importantly within a specific military occupational specialty. I have worked alongside the JGSDF partners in the past, but never specifically with my career counterparts. Meeting the 15th BDE's senior noncommissioned officers and soldiers was integral to gaining a greater understanding of my Japanese partners. It has also better prepared me to work closer in the future as our relationship matures," said Staff Sgt. Ashley Bohanon noncommissioned officer in charge of the S-2 section, 10th RSG.
Bohanon went onto explain the importance of the interaction between the Japanese and American military.
"I was highly impressed with the particular professionalism exhibited within the ranks of the JGSDF, G2 soldiers, and their willingness to share knowledge, and accept our invitation for this bilateral exchange."
Sgt. 1st. Class Sho Furusada, liaison and noncommissioned officer, 15th Brigade, JGSDF, spoke on behalf of his soldiers regarding this unique opportunity.
"This bilateral event today is a cross between the American and Japanese intelligence sections. Bilateral cooperation remains an essential ingredient especially in the area of training and mission readiness."
The program was divided into three sections: vehicle rollover training, marksmanship and academics.
"Our goal and focus today was to improve interoperability between the staff sections from the 10th RSG S2 and the 15th Brigade G2, working and fine tuning both physical and analytical skills throughout the day," explained Capt Jose Liy, intelligence officer for the 10th RSG.
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