Armed forces join Japan in bilateral training exercise

The U.S. Marines, Navy, and Army will join Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) members for a bilateral training exercise in multiple training locations across Japan.

Resolute Dragon 2021 involves almost 2,650 Marines from across III MEF, representing all functions of the Fleet Marine Force. Participating aircraft from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing will include multiple MV-22B Ospreys, CH-53E Stallions, AH-1Z Vipers, UH-1Y Venom, F/A-18E Hornets, and KC-130J Hercules. The Marines will join 1,400 counterparts from the 9th Division, North Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

“Resolute Dragon 21 is an example of the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance, which has served as the foundation of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific for more than 60 years,” Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, Commanding General, 3d Marine Division, said. “Through this exercise, the JGSDF and U.S. Marine Corps will strengthen, integrate, and synchronize our complementary capabilities to ensure we remain ready and capable of defending all of Japan, safeguarding our shared values and preserving freedom at sea.”

The exercise would aid in refining procedures for bilateral command, control, and coordination in a geographically distributed environment.

“We are committed to remaining postured and ready to fight and win if called upon,” Bargeron said. “We will operate across all domains with our Japanese allies and joint partners to maximize our ability to deter and defeat any potential threat. We are committed to remaining postured and ready to fight and win if called upon.”