U.S.-Japan joint military exercise Orient Shield underway

TOKYO, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The annual U.S.-Japan military exercise, Operation Orient Shield 14, is underway in Japan.

Designed to enhance U.S.-Japan military interoperability and combat readiness, the training brings together U.S. Army soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members.

"We're very grateful to have this opportunity to train with our Japanese counterparts," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Queck, adding "we're taking advantage of every second we can to learn as much as we can from each other."

Japanese Cpt. Yuichi Tjuji was also enthusiastic about the joint training operation. "I am very excited to be working with the U.S. soldiers, and the best part of working with the U.S. is the good synchronization of training."

The Armed Forces Network posted a video of the opening ceremony at Camp Higashi-Chitose.

Orient Shield began Oct. 27 and will conclude on Nov. 7.