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Soldiers

U.S. Marine Corps Returns to Ojojihara Training Area for Artillery Relocation Training

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The U.S. Marine Corps has returned to the Ojojihara training area on mainland Japan for artillery relocation training, marking the first time since 2006 that the Marine Corps has used this artillery training area. Approximately 240 Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, arrived in Ojojihara on November 18 to maintain operational readiness of the artillery battalion and support the U.S.-Japanese security alliance. The training will involve the operation of the M777 howitzer and crew-served weapons training, and the unit has scheduled community relations projects to interact with the local community and foster a positive relationship.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Marine Corps has returned to the Ojojihara training area on mainland Japan for artillery relocation training, with approximately 240 Marines and sailors participating.
  • The training is part of the Artillery Relocation Training Program and aims to maintain operational readiness of the artillery battalion and support the U.S.-Japanese security alliance.
  • The battery is operating the M777 howitzer and participating in crew-served weapons training during the exercise.
  • Community relations projects have been scheduled to interact with the local community and foster a positive relationship.
  • This is the first time since 2006 that the Marine Corps has used this artillery training area.
  • The battery was originally from Hawaii and is currently participating in the Unit Deployment Program and based on Camp Hansen, Okinawa.
  • Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, a Marine Corps journalist, reported on the return of the Marine Corps to the Ojojihara training area.
  • Lt. Col. Rick Miagany, commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, stated that the Marines and sailors are looking forward to the unique training challenges offered by the terrain and climate in Ojojihara.
  • Lance Cpl. David M. Schnall, a target processer and survey meteorologist with Bravo Battery, 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, expressed enthusiasm for the deployment and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
  • Cpl. Lester H. Cook, a radar watch chief with 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, also expressed excitement about the deployment and the opportunity to put training skills to the test.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 240 Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, are participating in the training.
  • The training is scheduled to take place from November 18 to December 9.
  • The Marine Corps last used the Ojojihara training area in 2006.
  • The battery is operating the M777 howitzer.
  • The unit has scheduled community relations projects to interact with the local community.

Sources:

  • "U.S. Marine Corps Returns to Ojojihara Training Area for Artillery Relocation Training." By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, Marine Corps Bases Japan.

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