SFS joins Japanese defense forces in training exercise

U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Williams, 35th Fighter Wing commander, meets with Lt. Gen. Yoshinori Taguchi, Japanese Ground Self -Defense Force, 9th Division commanding general, in the beginning stages of the Guard and Protect Exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2013. The annual exercise is the result of a bilateral training agreement between the United States and Japanese governments to train response actions against potentially high-threat situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

SFS joins Japanese defense forces in training exercise

During the Guard and Protect Exercise, members of Japanese Self-Defense Forces simulates coercing a driver to remove potentially toxic materials found in his vehicle at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2013. The exercise is an annual occurrence between U.S. and Japanese forces to strengthen bilateral base defense capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

SFS joins Japanese defense forces in training exercise

A member of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces performs a security sweep on a vehicle during the Guard and Protect Exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2013. Exercise evaluators had role players attempt to bring potentially toxic materials onto the base in an effort to assess the strengths and weaknesses within base defense forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

SFS joins Japanese defense forces in training exercise

Members of the Japanese Self-Defense Force defend a bunker during the Guard and Protect Exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2013. With allied forces training together, teamwork and efficiency are heightened as the bonds between both the Japanese and U.S. forces are strengthened. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

35 SFS joins Japanese defense forces in training exercise

Published May 23, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay
35th Fighter Wing public affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airmen from the 35th Security Forces Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, along with the soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 9th Division, 5th Infantry Regiment, Aomori, participated in the Guard and Protect Exercise here, May 19-22.

"The annual exercise is the result of a bilateral training agreement, between the United States and Japanese governments, which states that during high threat situations in the country, JGSDF and JASDF will join efforts with U.S installations," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Helguero, 35 SFS Exercise Evaluation Team inspector. "It basically helps us unify how we do security."

With allied forces training together, teamwork and efficiency are heightened as the bonds between both the Japanese and U.S. forces are strengthened.

"The persistent efforts made improving our bilateral mission capability beyond our own branches of service forge firm bonds," said Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Colonel Hiroharu Aoki, Camp Aomori 5th Infantry Regiment commander.

As the collaboration between the forces is built up over the years, the work they do together becomes more and more distinct.

"This is the fifth year of the Guard and Protect Exercise and every year we've become more fluid with security because of how well we work together," said Helguero. "The exercise allows us to communicate together and learn each other's tactics so we can better utilize our forces."

Various scenarios, staged by U.S. Airmen, were set up in several locations across Misawa Air Base. Airmen, posing as enemy forces or ordinary civilians, tried to breach base perimeters to test security members attention to detail. Using realistic threats, the bilateral defenders go through several scenarios.

"Typical scenarios we set up are people trying to bring toxic materials or Improvised Explosive Devices on base," Helguero added. "Sometimes we'd have a simulated special forces group try to infiltrate. We basically try and keep everyone on their toes watching for anything suspicious."

Using these methods, evaluators are able to determine what weaknesses and strengths they have and can alter training to better prepare troops.

"Although there are beneficial lessons to be learned, there are many obstacles that we run into," said Aoki. "Some of those obstacles include overcoming the language barrier; the different standards for the use of weapons; keeping our troops out of harm's way; and the means of keeping a vast defensive area throughout the training."

In order to solve the problems they came across, they had to recognize the importance of the mission and persevere to find ways to properly communicate and unite as a team, said Aoki.

"I would like to show my appreciation to all the people involved in Guard and Protect 2013," Aoki added. "I think the training was very good altogether."