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STAND-TO! Edition: Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Today's Focus:

Exercise Yama Sakura 59

SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING

"A bilateral command post exercise improves our mutual capabilities, reinforces our ties and strengthens our relationships. We will prepare ourselves for future threats and enhance our relationship, as well as gaining a greater understanding concerning civil military operations. This exercise proves the strength of the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Japan."

–Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, U.S. Army, Pacific Commanding General, speaking about Exercise Yama Sakura

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"I feel like the military programs are why you end up winning medals. Everybody wants to support you in your Olympic year. In your offseason, that's when nobody cares. WCAP carries you whether it's an Olympic year or non-Olympic year they're there supporting you …The military programs have probably been the biggest part of my success. Without them, I don't feel like I would have been able to win any medals."

- Sgt. Shauna Rohbock, Team USA bobsled pilot back in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) for what may be her farewell tour on the World Cup circuit.

WCAP athlete wins World Cup gold on bobsled farewell tour

TODAY'S FOCUS

Exercise Yama Sakura 59

What is it?

U.S. Army Pacific's Yama Sakura is USARPAC's premier bilateral command post annual exercise between Japanese and U.S. military forces. The simulation-driven exercise is the foundation of Japanese and U.S. defense cooperation.

What has the Army done?

Since inception in 1982, the exercise has focused on the development and refinement of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and U.S. Army Japan efforts in the areas of bilateral planning, coordination, and interoperability through training. Yama Sakura 59 (YS59) will be conducted at Camp Kengun, Japan, from Jan. 22 to Feb. 2, 2011. Elements of the U.S. Army Pacific's Contingency Command Post (CCP), U.S. Army Japan, I Corps Forward, and Japan's Western Army will participate in YS59. About 800 U.S. forces and 3,500 JGSDF personnel are participating in YS59. 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, and for continued peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Yama Sakura exercise has four objectives:
- Exchange ideas, techniques and military experience with the JGSDF
- Train U.S. ground forces for deployment to Japan
- Exercise JGSDF and U.S. capabilities in the defense of Japan
- Prepare USARPAC forces for combined, multi-national and joint full-spectrum operations

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

This exercise is proof of the strength of the United States' close, long-standing relationship with Japan and the JGSDF. As both nations celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan, Yama Sakura shows how U.S. Army Pacific is looking to the future and continuing to deepen its strong ties of mutual support and friendship. The U.S.-Japan alliance is committed to responding to regional and global crises, and continues to evolve to meet future challenges.

Why is this important to the Army?

Japan is a close and valuable ally of the United States. The United States is dedicated to helping Japan defend her territories. The Asia-Pacific region is vital to the United States culturally, economically and in all things concerning national security. The U.S.-Japan alliance is the bedrock of regional security in Northeast Asia, and the United States and Japan will continue to deepen their cooperation in wide-ranging areas of common interest in changing security environments.

Resources:

STAND-TO! edition, Dec. 12, 2009 Yama Sakura 57

Yama Sakura 59 (Website will go live on Jan. 22, 2011)

STAND-TO! NEWS

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