BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – The 7th Infantry Division and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) recently conducted joint training at Yakima Training Center (YTC) in Yakima, Washington, as part of the annual exercise Rising Thunder. Since its inception in 1994, this exercise has been a cornerstone of the U.S.-Japan military partnership, playing a critical role in developing the ability of both nations to train, communicate, and operate as a lethal and unified joint fighting force.
Rising Thunder is more than just a training event, it is a testament to the enduring strength of the partnership between the United States and Japan. This exercise highlights the importance of continuing to build and refine this relationship to ensure both nations are prepared to respond to challenges and maintain regional and global stability.
“I believe that Rising Thunder strengthens the partnership between the JGSDF and the U.S. Army and therefore enhances the effectiveness of the Japan-U.S. Alliance,” said Col. Masahiro Yamashita, a Regimental Commander for the 22nd Rapid Deployment Regiment. “At the same time, this exercise demonstrates that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is foundational to improving cooperation among like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The 7th Infantry Division, with units from 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) and 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), played pivotal roles in Rising Thunder by leading key events aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and interoperability of U.S. forces. Japan contributed one of its premier units, the 22nd Rapid Deployment Regiment, based in Miyagi, Japan, to participate in the exercise.
2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry (2-3 IN), a maneuver battalion assigned to 1-2 SBCT, conducted bilateral training with the JGSDF during exercise Rising Thunder. The training was divided into two phases: functional training and live-fire training. Functional training focused on sharpening warfighting skills and fostering interoperability between the two forces. Key events included urban rifle marksmanship, sniper training, maintenance and recovery operations, medical training, and counter-UAS (c-UAS) training.
Urban rifle marksmanship emphasized combat strategies in urban environments, strengthening teamwork between U.S. and Japanese forces. Sniper training improved long-range engagement capabilities through shared expertise, refining precision tactics. Maintenance and recovery operations highlighted the importance of understanding each nation’s procedures for equipment sustainment, ensuring seamless integration during joint operations. Medical training involved sharing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and bilateral casualty evacuation training to improve life-saving care and interoperability.
During functional training, 2-3 IN, supported by the Bayonet’s Edge Innovation Lab, focused on c-UAS training to refine their ability to identify, target, and neutralize enemy UAS. Developed by the 7th Infantry Division, the Bayonet’s Edge Innovation Lab fosters innovation by addressing critical capability gaps through rapid prototyping, advanced technologies, and product development. Specializing in UAS, electronic warfare devices, research and development, the lab transforms ideas into actionable solutions for field testing and deployment. By harnessing people, ideas, and machines, it enhances combat readiness, supports multi-domain operations, and improves the warfighter experience. As the 7th Infantry Division transitions to the Multi-Domain Command, Pacific (MDC-PAC), the lab continues to deliver forward-deployed solutions, ensuring soldiers remain equipped to meet evolving threats and maintain a decisive edge on the battlefield.
“We [2-3 IN] successfully integrated c-UAS training into range events and the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise as initial steps on a roadmap to c-UAS proficiency for the battalion,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Boldt, the Battalion Commander for 2-3 IN. “The c-UAS training conducted as part of Exercise Rising Thunder established a strong foundation on which we will build through progressive integration in our collective training glidepath.”
Following functional training, the focus shifted to two iterations of the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) at the Yakima Training Center Multi-Purpose Range Complex. These exercises emphasized combined arms maneuver, with U.S. Army and JGSDF units operating adjacently and leveraging mutually supporting enablers. This synchronization demonstrated the lethal capabilities of both forces and their ability to operate seamlessly in complex environments.
Additional training included establishing a Bilateral Logistics Support Area (BLSA), where U.S. and JGSDF elements worked together to establish command and control (C2) and sustainment nodes. This collaboration highlighted the importance of integrating sustainment operations to ensure mission success in contested environments. 1-2 SBCT, particularly its Forward Support Company, exercised sustainment operations in a contested environment while integrating JGSDF partners. Together, both forces ensured the security of sustainment nodes, demonstrating their ability to support and sustain combat operations under challenging conditions.
1-37 Field Artillery Regiment (FAR), who is assigned to 1-2 SBCT, provided fire support teams to train alongside the JGSDF in call for fire training. Call for fire is a doctrinal term referring to the process by which highly trained field artillery soldiers, embedded with maneuver units, request and coordinate artillery support. These soldiers are skilled in accurately identifying grid locations for enemy targets or targets of opportunity. This training was invaluable, as both nations exchanged techniques and learned from one another, further improving their skillsets and enhancing interoperability.
1-37 FAR provided further instruction, training, and firepower during Rising Thunder. Equipped with the 155mm M777A2 howitzer, commonly referred to as the “Triple 7,” 1-37 FAR worked alongside the JGSDF, which uses a similar howitzer, the FH70.
“Readiness is essential, and training with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has been an incredible opportunity,” said Capt. Ian Milburn, Bravo Battery Commander for 1-37 FAR, the artillery regiment assigned to 1-2 SBCT. “Working alongside and learning from the Japanese has not only strengthened our relationship but has also made all the artillerymen in 1-37 FAR better warfighters. I feel we have greatly contributed to mutual learning and the continued development of a strong partnership with the Japanese.”
Both nations demonstrated proper crew drills, emplacement techniques, and conducting survivability moves. Survivability moves is a term used in the U.S. military to describe the ability for a unit to establish a new firing point based off a threat criterion. This collaboration allowed both forces to refine their artillery skills, exchange best practices, and enhance interoperability in shared tactics and procedures.
The 16th CAB played a critical role in the exercise by providing aerial surveillance, MEDEVAC training, and aerial fires, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of ground operations. The exercise culminated in a live-fire event focused on engaging an objective, with the 16th CAB delivering essential aerial support to ensure mission success.
"Training with the JGSDF has been an incredible opportunity to refine our communication skills and build a stronger partnership,” said Maj. Shane Mckiddy, a Battalion Operations Officer for 1-229 Attack Aviation Battalion, part of the 16th CAB. “Effective communication is critical in a complex operational environment, and exercises like this allow us to better understand each other’s processes and terminology. By improving how we work together, we enhance our ability to operate as a unified and lethal team, ready to face any challenge."
Additionally, this training provided an invaluable opportunity for JGSDF to practice communicating with U.S. pilots and vice versa, further strengthening interoperability and ensuring both nations can operate seamlessly as a cohesive fighting force in complex operational environments.
Rising Thunder is more than just an exercise—it is an opportunity for the United States and Japanese forces to unite and train for a stronger future. During this year’s iteration, 2-3 IN provided functional and live-fire training, including extensive training on identifying and eliminating enemy UAS threats. 1-37 Field Artillery worked closely with the JGSDF to share emplacement and survivability criteria, while also embedding fire support teams with ground forces to accurately identify and eliminate targets. Additionally, the JGSDF and the 16th CAB collaborated to provide aerial support during the CALFEX, practicing cross-communication to enhance interoperability.
Each year, Rising Thunder serves as a platform for both nations to strengthen their enduring partnership, exchange knowledge, and refine their ability to operate as a cohesive joint fighting force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 7th Infantry Division is proud to host this exercise and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the JGSDF in the years to come.
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