CAMP NIHONBARA, OKAYAMA PREFECTURE, Japan -- Marines from 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force 8th Infantry Regiment, 13th Brigade participated in close quarter marksmanship training, one of the training objectives of Exercise Forest Light at Camp Nihonbara, Okayama Prefecture, Feb. 23.
“The Japanese wanted to see how we conduct close quarter marksmanship and we wanted to see how they conduct it,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jorge G. Gonzalez, C Company, 1/23 Inspector and Instructor training chief and native of Los Angeles. “The training is a great learning experience because nowadays a lot of the fighting the Marines are doing is close quarter. We find ourselves breaking down doors, jumping through windows and moving through tunnels.”
Up in the windy mountains, the Marines trained on a JGSDF range, specifically designed for close quarter marksmanship. The range consisted of many obstacles including a simulated door, window and moving targets.
“The way the Japanese had their range setup was very useful,” remarked Gonzalez.
They were able to manipulate the targets to make different targets pop up at varying times. This is helpful explained Gonzalez because, “on the range, the shooter has to make a quick decision on where the enemy is at.”
The Japanese sharpshooters and Marines even had something to teach one another when it came down to stressing the importance of safety.
“The Japanese shooters were very accurate, fast and well disciplined,” said Cpl. Othal E. Brand, fire team leader and native of McAllen, Texas. “They had multiple layers of safety. For example, the Japanese soldier is handed the magazines. The Marines on the other hand carry their own magazines and conduct magazine changes themselves.”
After the JGSDF conducted their demonstration in close quarter marksmanship, it was the Marines turn to show off some of their battle hardened skills.
Before the Marine reservists rushed through the simulated door on the range, they formed a “stack,” bunching up together near the entrance. When the signal was given the Marines exploded through, shooting at moving targets, while the Japanese soldier observed.
“We share many of the same tactics, but there are some differences,” said 2nd Lt. Hiromune Kanemaki, 3rd Platoon, 1st Company, 8th infantry regiment commander and native of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. “The JGSDF shoot more correctly and slowly. The Marines shoot more aggressively and fast.”
After the long and strenuous training day on the range, the troops left together from the range with shared knowledge and camaraderie.
“It’s been a great experience to see how the Marines train,” added Kanemaki. “The Marines have many experiences with real world fighting. We have learned a lot from them and our morale is high.”