Japanese officer candidates get to the ‘Corps’ of artillery
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 29, 2005) -- More than 130 Japanese officer candidates visited an artillery battery to learn about Marine artillery Sept. 27.
The Marines with L Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, hosted cadets with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force as part of the Japanese Observer Program. The candidates were taught the functional areas of an artillery battery including a M-198 155mm Medium Towed Howitzer demonstration, and Marine Corps crew-served and personal weapons familiarization.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/9016497317BA1C4C8525708B00198805?opendocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 200592903852
Story by Pfc. C. Warren Peace
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 29, 2005) -- More than 130 Japanese officer candidates visited an artillery battery to learn about Marine artillery Sept. 27.
The Marines with L Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, hosted cadets with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force as part of the Japanese Observer Program. The candidates were taught the functional areas of an artillery battery including a M-198 155mm Medium Towed Howitzer demonstration, and Marine Corps crew-served and personal weapons familiarization.
“Most of these young Japanese (service members) haven’t decided which field they want work in,” said Sgt. Maj. Hideki Akamatsu, the JGSDF III Marine Expeditionary Force liaison. “The school wants them to see as many fields as possible so they can make an educated decision after they graduate from (Officer Candidates School).”
The day began with a briefing from the battery commander, Capt. David L. Padilla. He taught the cadets the history of III MEF and provided them an overview of their current status.
Following the brief, the Marines of L Battery demonstrated how a Marine artillery battery provides support in combat. The battery received a simulated call for support, then targeted and fired on the mock enemy.
“The students learn a lot from the Marines every time we have a joint event with them,” said Lt. Col. Masaoki Kumashira, the assistant chief of education with the JGSDF OCS.
After the demonstration, the Marines taught the cadets howitzer fundamentals, and how to operate a MK-19 40mm machine gun, M-2 .50 caliber machine gun, M-240G medium machine gun, M-249 squad automatic weapon, M-16A4 service rifle and the M-4A1 carbine.
“Events like this give us a chance to forge a relationship with the Okinawans,” said Capt. Padilla. “They need our support and we need theirs. One day we may fight side-by-side.”