 U.S. Marines train Japan's SDF in urban combat Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force in October conducted an urban-type combat training exercise in Guam under the direction of the U.S. Marines special operation training group stationed in Okinawa. Akahata on November 2 reported that the training was a concrete move to strengthen the structure of Japan-U.S. joint operations abroad as part of realigning the U.S. defense posture in the world in line with its preemptive attack strategy. According to the U.S. Marines Internet news site, it was the first time for the U.S. Marines to give the urban terrain training to Japan's SDF. The Ground SDF's 117 personnel, who will be reportedly dispatched to Iraq next April, participated in the 2-week combat training program. (end) |