GSDF Holds 1st Amphibious Operation Drill with U.S. Marine in Japan

October 15, 2018

Tanegashima, Kagoshima Pref.- The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's amphibious troops held their first joint exercise with U.S. Marines on the southwestern Japan island of Tanegashima on Sunday.

Under the scenario that a remote island was seized by an enemy and need to be taken back, members of the GSDF's amphibious rapid deployment brigade landed on the Kagoshima Prefecture island and took control of what was assumed as a key facility together with the Marines and other Japanese troops.

The drill, held in a former airport site, was joined by some 200 GSDF members, about 10 Marines and the GSDF's Osumi transport vessel.

They did not use live or blank ammunitions. Jiji Press