Japan, US Compare Mortar Techniques

Photo By Randall Baucom | A soldier with Heavy Mortar Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, fires an 80 millimeter mortar at live-fire mortar training during Orient Shield 11 at Camp Kami-Furano, Japan. The focus of the exercise is tactical combat, battle staff operations and training at the battalion and regimental level and below. (Photos by: Sgt. Nathan Hastings)  

KUMI-FURANO, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

11.03.2010

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Japan

Story by: Sgt. Nathan Hastings

KAMI-FURANO, Japan – Missouri National Guard soldiers got a different look at some of the same equipment they use on a regular basis. Mortarmen from 1st Battalion, 138th Infantry Regiment, Missouri Army National Guard, learned how the Heavy Mortar Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces, operate and fire their weapons.

“My counterparts are very impressive,” said 1st Lt. John Breeden, a mortar platoon leader with the 138th. “They set up everything. Their firing position is very developed. They conduct themselves and their operations in a very similar manner.”

Breeden said the Heavy Mortar Co. uses different charges and techniques than Americans would during the same missions. These are tactics his own platoon might try when returning home, he said.

The Japanese and American’s 81 millimeter mortar systems are similar in many ways, including weapon’s setup and breakdown.

“The majority of the parts are the same as ours,” said Spc. Dannie Dearmon, Pleasant Hill, Mo., native. “They have a couple differences that seem to make their equipment more functional than ours. The same goes for our equipment.”

Dearmon said one advantage to the Japanese 120 millimeter mortar is its ability to mount to a trailer, which prevents them from having to load and unload the mortar off of a truck.

The Missouri soldiers also complimented their Japanese counterparts on their skill and professionalism.

“The Japanese Northern Army is very professional and very good at what they do,” said Dearmon.

The landscapes and the opportunity to travel are not lost on most of these mortarmen.

“It’s been great,” said Pfc. Jordan Childers, an ammunition bearer from the 138th and Granite City, Ill., native. “The scenery has been very nice here. It’s clean, the people are very friendly.

• Date Taken: 11.03.2010
• Date Posted: 11.05.2010 01:54
• Story ID: 59459
• Location: KUMI-FURANO, HOKKAIDO, JP