Base employees clear snow from a Camp Zama parking lot on Feb. 6, 2024, after heavy snow and slush covered the Kanto Plain. The community remained prepared for the event thanks to the hard work of a joint weather council. (Noriko Kudo, U.S. Army)
When Mother Nature delivers inclement weather, the U.S. Army in Japan community remains safe, prepared and informed thanks to a joint weather council led by U.S. Army Garrison Japan.
The weather council, chaired by the USAG Japan Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, is tasked to forecast, analyze and mitigate impacts of severe weather incidents that can range from winds and heavy rains to snowstorms and even typhoons.
The council is staffed by members of U.S. Army Japan; the Air Force’s 1st Combat Weather Squadron; Logistics Readiness Center-Honshu; Zama Middle High and Arnn Elementary schools; the Defense Commissary Agency; Army and Air Force Exchange Service; and other Garrison entities such as the Directorate of Emergency Services, Directorate of Public Works, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; the Safety Office; and Public Affairs team.
USAG Japan conducts regular training and exercises to keep the council ready for real-world events.
“I appreciate the amount of work that goes into ensuring this process is seamless, and our combined team is ready to provide the best recommendations that keep our community safe,” said Col. Marcus Hunter, USAG Japan commander.
When an early February snowstorm blanketed the Kanto Plain with heavy, wet snow and slush, the U.S. Army in Japan community was ready thanks largely to the behind-the-scenes work of the council.
Joseph Kelley, a management analyst with the garrison’s Emergency Management Office, said preparation is the key to success, especially when working the difficult task of predicting oftentimes unpredictable weather events and the impact to the community.
And since inclement weather isn’t limited to working hours, the council must be prepared to work seven days a week and around-the-clock, as needed.
Kelley also stressed the importance of communication.
“The weather council assists with necessary coordination with Naval Air Facility Atsugi to ensure the safety of Zama Middle High School students,” he said.
Robert Brown, chief of operations for U.S. Army Japan’s G-3, attended the council meetings in February as the community was facing the snowstorm.
“The weather council is pivotal in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of our operations, especially in addressing weather-related contingencies,” Brown said. “By bringing together representatives from diverse branches such as the Air Force, USARJ, [Department of Defense Education Activity], and others, we foster a comprehensive understanding of weather dynamics and their potential impact on our missions.”
He said the collective expertise of the council members is key for decision making.
“By incorporating input from all stakeholders, we facilitate collaborative discussions and data-driven analysis to inform timely and effective decision-making processes,” Brown said. “Our aim is to provide actionable recommendations that empower senior commanders to navigate weather-related challenges with confidence and agility.”
Given the changing seasons, officials say, the weather council will now start planning ahead for the upcoming typhoon season.
“Mother Nature never rests, so we have to stay prepped and ready for our community” Kelley said.
