Orient Shield exercise

Orient Shield is an annual training exercise executed in Japan between the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces (JGSDF) and United States Army. Since 1985, it has focused on development and refinement of systems and tactics in order to enhance bilateral tactical planning, coordination, and interoperability.[1] The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral combat effectiveness at the battalion and brigade levels while strengthening military-to-military relationships and demonstrating American commitment to support regional security interests.[2] Rotating between JGSDF divisions of the five Regional Armies, Orient Shield leverages the unique capabilities of the training units to provide for ever-increasing tactical complexity and realism. The ongoing tension around North Korea's nuclear program has added an additional layer of importance to the annual exercise.[3]

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and soldiers of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force participating in Orient Shield 2012, pictured on 31 October 2012.
A US Army UH-60 Blackhawk flies over Yamaguchi Bay during Orient Shield 2019

Originally executed as a one week platoon-level Field Training Exercise (FTX), Orient Shield has evolved into a two week battalion-level FTX, brigade-level computer assisted Command Post Exercise (CPX), and company-level Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX). In 2015, Orient Shield was added to Pacific Pathways,[4] a United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) initiative to improve readiness and the scope and quality of regional engagements. In 2018, the 40th Infantry Division from California National Guard and 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) from the Indiana National Guard became the first Total Force[5] partners to participate in the exercise.[6]

Orient Shield Participants
Year Japanese partner US partner Location
2018 9th DIV, Northeastern Army 76th IBCT, 40th ID Ojojihara Training Area
2017 1st DIV, Eastern Army 1st SBCT, 25th ID CATC Fuji
2016 3rd DIV, Middle Army 3rd IBCT, 25th ID Camp Aibano
2015 6th DIV, Northeastern Army 1st SBCT, 25th ID Ojojihara Training Area
2014 7th DIV, Northern Army 2nd SBCT, 2ID Yasubetsu Training Area

References
  1. Sneider, Daniel (27 November 1985). "'Orient Shield': latest example of US-Japan military cooperation". Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  2. Taylor, Margaret. "Orient Shield 2016: a military, cultural exchange". Army.mil. United States Army. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  3. Cook, Leon (11 September 2017). "US, Japanese troops kick off Orient Shield exercise near Mount Fuji". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  4. "Pacific Pathways Increases Readiness Through Partnership". U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
  5. "Army Directive 2012-08 (Army Total Force Policy)" (PDF). Army.mil. Retrieved 2022-07-20.
  6. "Indiana National Guard Soldiers will lead Pacific Pathways". Army.mil. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
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