CATC Camp Fuji commander receives Defense Cooperation Award

COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, Shizouka, Japan — Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Lt. Gen. Yuichi Takada, commandant of the Camp Fuji School, presented the Defense Cooperation Award to U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael D. Reilly, commanding officer of Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji, at the JGSDF Combined Training School June 11.

“I was extremely humbled to hear that I was to be awarded this recognition,” Reilly said. “We've worked extremely hard with our JGSDF counterparts to modernize training in the Fuji Maneuver Area (FMA) and to strengthen the alliance. This award signifies this effort.”

The Defense Cooperation Award is Japan’s highest defense award that the JGSDF can award to a non-Japanese service member.

“This award truly signifies the strong working relationship Camp Fuji has with the Fuji Schools and our JGSDF partners,” he said.

Both Reilly and Takada agreed that both of their respective installations established a mutually beneficial and lasting relationship during Reilly’s time at CATC Camp Fuji.

“I'd like to emphasize to our JGSDF partners that we'll be there with them when the time comes,” Reilly also commented, “Alliances take a daily effort to maintain. It's critical that each alliance partner recognizes key contributors that strengthen the relationship.”

Reilly originally visited Takada and staff of the Combined Training School to say farewell prior to transitioning command of CATC Camp Fuji to his successor, Col. Robert J. Bodisch Jr.

CATC Camp Fuji provides U.S. Forces the premier training facility in Japan, supports operational plans, and strengthens relationships with joint and Japanese partners in order to ensure U.S. forward-deployed and based forces are ready for contingency operations.