03/01/2015: In the first two photos, U.S. Marines post security on patrol Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan.
Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills.
The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. In the next three photos, Japanese Self Defense Forces engage in the fight.
Credit: III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific:12/9/14