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Today's Focus:

Exercise Yama Sakura 57

SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING

"We will seek a partnership with Afghanistan grounded in mutual respect - to isolate those who destroy; to strengthen those who build; to hasten the day when our troops will leave; and to forge a lasting friendship in which America is your partner, and never your patron."

- President Obama stressing that the United States is not interested in occupying Afghanistan or subjugating its people.

Obama calls for another 30,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Year of the Noncommissioned Officer

"... Take life one day at a time, but think of time beyond today. ... Set goals and strive for them."

- Staff Sgt. Lisa Soto, 165th Infantry Brigade, gives her advice to junior enlisted Soldiers who are considering their next steps in their military careers

Soto: 'Strive for your goals'

CALENDAR

2009 Commemorations :

Year of the NCO

Year of the Military Family

100th Anniversary of the Chaplain Assistant

December 2009

Dec. 16 to Jan. 25 : 65th Anniversary of Battle of the Bulge

Dec. 7: Pearl Harbor Day
Dec. 12: Army Navy Game
Dec. 24: STAND-TO! edition will not be published
Dec. 25: Christmas Holiday
Dec. 31: STAND-TO! edition will not be published

PROFESSIONAL WRITING

Army Professional Writing

TODAY'S FOCUS

Exercise Yama Sakura 57

What is it?

Exercise Yama Sakura 57 is a regularly-scheduled U.S./Japan bilateral exercise co-hosted by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC). Yama Sakura (Japanese for Mountain Cherry Blossom), is a full-spectrum operations (FSO) focused combined, command-post exercise (CPX) with U.S. and Japanese Self-Defense Forces focused on the defense of Japan. This year Japan's Northern Army will host the exercise at Camp Higashi-Chitose on Hokkaido from Dec. 7-12, 2009. The exercise is designed to promote cooperation among the two militaries while sharing training, cultural exchanges and improving partnership readiness. Approximately 1,500 U.S. military personnel and 3,500 JSDF personnel are participating this year.

What has the Army done?

This year, the U.S. Army Pacific's Contingency Command Post (CCP) and I Corps (Forward) will form the core of the command and control element for U.S. forces. This will be the first training deployment for the Japan-based I Corps (Forward.) This exercise exemplifies a continued commitment by the U.S. and Japan to work as dedicated partners in support of the U.S./Japan Security Alliance.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

Exercise Yama Sakura is a rare opportunity in today's Army that adds value in the training arena as it is the only scenario available in the Army that provides a venue for a JFLCC Headquarters to exercise Full Spectrum Operations (FSO) in a supported exercise with a multi-lateral treaty partner using a scenario against a more conventional enemy threat. Next year, I Corps, based in Fort Lewis, Wa., will be the training audience.

Why is this important to the Army?

This exercise is proof of the strength of our close, long-standing relationship with Japan and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces. As we prepare to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the U.S. and Japan, Yama Sakura shows how we are looking to the future and continuing to deepen our strong ties of mutual support and friendship.

Resources:

USARPAC Web site

Information on Yama Sakura 2009

STAND-TO! NEWS

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