CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Feb. 13, 2015) -- Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited the U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward) headquarters on the Camp Zama installation Feb. 11 with his counterpart, Warrant Officer Mitsunori Watanabe, senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan Self-Defense Forces.
"The purpose of my visit to Japan is to see not just American forces but our partners the Japanese Self-Defense Force," explained Battaglia.
Both Battaglia and Watanabe had an opportunity to meet with the U.S. Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors stationed in Japan to discuss the concerns and questions they had.
Battaglia said he witnessed the many good things that the Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors do in defense of the country of Japan.
Battaglia and Watanabe were also scheduled to observe a part of USARJ and JGSDF cooperative work program called "Co-Op." The JGSDF members briefed Battaglia on their unit's capabilities as their presentation and language training.
"I see as other leaders' exceptional value in a program that's so simple in concept yet the dividends and benefits are huge," said Battaglia.
According to G-5, USARJ Co-Op program liaisons, the program was built to assist JGSDF members to improve bilateral relations, enhance English comprehension skills, learn about the U.S. Army and American cultures, familiarization with U.S. Army doctrine and techniques, and educate U.S. Army Soldiers about Japan and JGSDF.
Battaglia said he gained an insight of the relationship, comradery, relevancy, and Soldiering (skills) that has been built across time with this Co-Op program.
"When Soldiers from another nation can imbed themselves into a foreign military like…the Co-Op program, that takes trust," Battaglia commented.
Watanabe said, "By interchanging a noncommissioned officer level (program) between two nations, will only strengthen U.S. and Japan alliances even more."
"Battaglia said the U.S. military has a longstanding relationship with the country of Japan. "I see it growing (between) our two nations."
Battaglia stated that the troops and the Families stationed here in Japan, and that serve in the Far East play a significant role and have a very difficult mission in the defense of our interest and our nation.
"We will give them every support that we can, (to help) allow them to accomplish their mission successfully," said Battaglia.
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