Orient Shield 21-2 Prompts Camp Amani Integrated Bilateral Air Defense Training

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Schmiett | Bravo Battery, 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force’s 8th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group, conducted simulated scenario missile defense on Camp Amami as part of Orient Shield 21-2. Both Bravo Battery and 8th AAGp have been conducting drills and other training to include movement, deployment, reload, and system reconfiguring, using both the U.S. Patriot Missile Reload System and the JGSDF’s Chu-SAM Missile Reload System. The Fire Control Platoon conducted bilateral operations through a joint command post. Information was fed to both Patriot Engagement Controls Station and Chu-SAM Fire Control Platoon in the bilateral CP where both unit command teams exercise the capabilities to deconflict the shared airspace between each unit. OS 21-2 focuses on developing and refining the JGSDF and U.S. Army multi-domain and cross-domain operations through a field training exercise. Orient Shield is the largest U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral field training exercise being executed in various locations throughout Japan to enhance interoperability and test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations.  

JAPAN

07.12.2021

Courtesy Story

38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

OKINAWA, Japan – Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, conducted bilateral air and missile defense training at Camp Amami with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 8th Anti-Aircraft Artillery during Orient Shield 21-2 to enhance interoperability and test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations June 7 to July 10.

U.S. Marine Corps vessel USNS Guam transported Bravo Battery’s Minimum Engagement Package consisting of two U.S. Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) systems, a radar unit, and an engagement control station with more than 20 Soldiers from Naha Port to Amami Island.

“Here at Camp Amami, a JGSDF mid-range surface to air missile unit and a U.S. Patriot missile unit are conducting bilateral air defense training,” said Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, chief of staff, JGSDF. “The security environment surrounding Japan has become increasingly severe. Whatever happens, the Japan-U.S. land component will cooperate closely to enhance deterrent and operational capability and contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.”

Bravo Battery Soldiers set up a Patriot tactical site and established a bilateral command post, facilitating the synchronization of U.S. Army PAC-3 and JGSDF Type O3 Chu-SAM air and missile defense systems in an Anti-Access Area Denial scenario.

"Our unit was able to expeditiously relocate defensive resources and create a regionally layered air defense network with bilateral partners," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nicholas Pape, air and missile defense systems tactician with Battery B, 1-1 ADA. "We've learned what capabilities we can offer each other and also how we can integrate together to provide combined air pictures and a combined defense of the Indo-Pacific region."

The two firing units integrated and conducted air defense operations, identifying aerial threats within a shared airspace in a simulated air battle scenarios.

"These integrated air and missile defense operations carried on for a week," said Pape.

The bilateral training drew attention from multiple Japanese news agencies. In addition, Bravo Battery Soldiers were also visited by Yoshida, Brig. Gen. JB Vowell, commander, U.S. Army Japan and Lt. Col. Anthony B. Falcon, battalion commander, 1-1 ADA.

OS21-2 strengthened U.S. Army and JGSDF interoperability and demonstrated both countries commitments to the U.S.-Japan alliance and the security of the Indo-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2021
• Date Posted: 08.22.2021 23:24
• Story ID: 403703
• Location: JP