Photo By Staff Sgt. Ryan Gay | A Surface-to-Surface missile from a High Mobility Artillery Missile System (HIMARS)...... read more read more
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Time Zone changes may affect an internal clock; however, it does not affect the precision of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 181st Field Artillery Regiment, from the Tennessee National Guard. Participating in Orient Shield for the first time, the artillery unit displayed the capabilities and execution of their High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members from Sept. 13-24 at Yausubetsu Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan.
The opening interactions between the 1-181 FAR and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force at YTA started with a JGSDF-hosted Welcome Party, where both forces displayed mutual generosity and cooperation. The event also garnered conversations between the two forces and kicked off the training exercise. During field training exercise, Alpha Battery and the JGSDF exchanged best practices in military tactics and techniques. JGSDF members conducted movement-to-contact drills, communication among ground teams, and prisoner detainment techniques. The 1-181 FAR displayed vehicle reconnaissance tactics, to include the use of HIMARS during a convoy mission.
“[Orient Shield] proves that we can go into an unknown environment, practice our S.O.P. s, G.T.P. s, and be able to conduct successful fire missions,” said Capt. Drew Gentry, the commander of Alpha Battery, 1-181 FAR and Mt. Juliet native. "And that’s what we did.”
Yausubetsu Training Area rests on the eastern part of Hokkaido, the northernmost main island of Japan. A rustic and vast back drop provided ample area to display the artillery prowess and talents of the 1-181 FAR and the JGSDF.
The culminating event at YTA was a 1-181 FAR HIMARS and JGSDF MLRS live fire on Sept. 20. Missile precision was on full display for the U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General, Gen. Charles A. Flynn, the JGSDF Chief of Staff, Gen. Yasunori Morishita, Australian Army observers, and a dozen of Japanese journalists who witnessed U.S. Army and JGSDF interoperability in action.
“Exercises like Orient Shield 23 are essential for demonstrating the United States’s ironclad commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Flynn during a bilateral press conference with the JGSDF Chief of Staff held shortly after the live fire. “Exercises like Orient Shield demonstrate responsible behavior by improving our abilities to protect and defend our nations.”
Orient Shield plays a role in a bigger operation called Operation Pathways, and Orient Shield has been a bilateral training component since its introduction in 1982. The focus of the exercise has always been the exchange of ideas, experiences, and cultural understanding to enhance the interoperability and readiness of the two nations.
“My guys and gals were the best of the best and they will continue to be that way,” said Gentry, “And I look forward to getting back home.”
In all, the mission added more depth and experience for the soldiers. The unit fired off 12 rockets and two 3-man crews qualified. Overall, the troops will come home with valuable experience to contribute to the Tennessee National Guard, the U.S. Army, and the nation.
| Date Taken: | 09.21.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2023 01:08 |
| Story ID: | 453926 |
| Location: | YAUSUBETSU TRAINING AREA, HOKKAIDO, JP |
| Web Views: | 199 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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