Latest Bilateral Command Post Exercise With Japan Underway

Exercise Keen Edge kicked off yesterday in Japan and will run until Jan. 27.

The exercise, led on the U.S. side by U.S. Forces Japan, is the latest in a series of joint/bilateral command post exercises involving U.S. military and Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF) personnel designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability between U.S. forces and the JSDF. See Stars & Stripes coverage.

Keen Edge has historically been part of an annual exercise series that alternates between field training exercises (called Keen Sword) and command post exercises. During Keen Edge this year, various Japanese and U.S. headquarters staffs will employ computer simulations to practice the steps they would take in the event of a crisis or contingency.

Command post exercises are a cost-effective way of providing military participants with realistic and unobtrusive training in a simulated crisis.

Exercises such as Keen Edge are an integral part of the U.S. Pacific Command strategy, as they play a significant role in strengthening and enhancing relationships with allies and partners, while increasing military readiness.