Soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) joined Marines and Sailors from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni to begin Exercise Active Shield, Oct. 25.

Active Shield is an annual bilateral exercise partnering U.S. and Japanese forces, which exercises various elements of the air station’s base defense plan to ensure the station remains able to support the Naval Expeditionary Force-In Readiness and regional commitments to the U.S.-Japan Alliance. 

During the exercise, U.S. and Japanese forces train together across multiple scenarios to hone their interoperability for the protection and defense of MCAS Iwakuni and other assets in the region in order to sustain military operation.

Throughout the upcoming week, the combined forces will exercise a guard and protect mission while faced with numerous challenges from a dynamic adversary.

“Each year we aim to grow our training while also introducing those new to the installation to the uniqueness of serving at a forward-deployed air station,” said Major Paul Cordes, the station operations officer. “Just like our military services, MCAS Iwakuni cannot remain static. It is important to continually exercise and test our capabilities to ensure we can respond to any potential adversary.”

For images of the exercise, please visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/ActiveShield21