Exercise North Wind Provides Cold Weather Training for U.S. Army, JGSDF

Annual bilateral field training exercise North Wind between the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force began March 2 on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

Over the next week-plus, approximately 800 U.S. and Japanese soldiers will take part in cold weather squad, platoon and company level infantry tactics training.

The Kentucky Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment is a primary U.S. participant, along with various support units and representatives from U.S. Army Japan. See the Stars and Stripes story.

North Wind is one of four major exercises that take place each year between the U.S. Army and JGSDF focused on the defense of Japan. Yama Sakura, Orient Shield and Rising Warrior are the others.

North Wind will also include social events, home visits and cultural exchanges.

Exercises such as North Wind play a key role in strengthening professional and personal relationships, and enhancing tactical efficiencies between U.S. forces and their Japan Self Defense Force counterparts.

Throughout the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility, military exercises, both bilateral and multilateral, are a key component of PACOM’s strategy to partner with friends and allies to help ensure security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Enhancing military readiness together strengthens our ability to act collectively against threats to our mutual interests.