U.S. Marine Sgt. Henry Velasco, electronics maintenance technician with Combined Arms Training Center (CATC), leads cool-down stretches during physical training on CATC Camp Fuji, Gotemba, Japan, Oct. 17, 2019. The JGSDF toured the base to learn operations of U.S. Marines, practice speaking English, and to strengthen the relationship between two nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah Stegall) ()
COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER, CAMP FUJI, GOTEMBA, Japan - An overcast sky covered all of the mountains in sight, to include Mount Fuji. Fog and mist filled the cold air as the morning grew older.
Service members with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force joined Marines with CATC Camp Fuji for physical training on Oct. 17, 2019.
It represented a unique training opportunity for the members of the JGSDF. They were introduced to Marine Corps physical training as a means to enhance mission readiness.
The physical training was scheduled as part of the Camp Kodaira exchange program visit. While visiting, not only did the JGSDF have an opportunity to see how Marines train physically, but also how they operate on base, and even got to sharpen their English-speaking skills.
Sgt. Henry Velasco, an electronics maintenance technician with CATC Camp Fuji, led the early morning training that included a circuit of kettle bell swings, pull ups, and other workouts common to Marine Corps physical training.
“It was designed to be something different than they normally do,” said Velasco. “We tried to give them a little bit of what Marine Corps PT is. They all did a very good job and showed great strength.”
Velasco said these visits give the JGSDF the opportunity to learn about Marine Corps culture and American culture to strengthen the bond between the two nations.
“The exercise was very tough,” said Sgt. Takumi Yanagida, a rifleman with JGSDF, Camp Kodaira. "I usually don’t exercise in the morning, but I think that exercise was very good to improve physical stamina.”
Yanagida also shared his thoughts on the importance of training alongside Marines.
“I think it’s important to learn about Marines because they have good skills and techniques,” said Yanagida. "This is a good opportunity and we want to include ourselves more in the future.”
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.
