Carrying to save mannequin lives

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sergeant Kenta Takahashi, a 1st Training Unit indirect fire infantryman, from Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, carries a 180-pound mannequin during a JGSDF shadow program at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 5, 2018. The JGSDF uses programs like their basic English course to invest time in their members to learn the basics of English in order to enhance mission execution during future bilateral engagements. Not only did the JGSDF members practice their English, but they embedded with their U.S. Air Force counterparts, who immersed them in day-to-day duties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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Spraying simulated fires

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Brunn, left, a 35th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, shows Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sergeants Kensuke Fujita, center, and Kenta Takahashi, right, how to properly handle a firehose during a JGSDF shadow program at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 5, 2018. The program showcased Team Misawa’s ability to work together with any branch of the Japan Self-Defense Force. U.S. Air Force Airmen and JGSDF Soldiers worked on their communications skills cultivating a face-to-face friendly environment for future bilateral events with the Soldiers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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Mannequin carry them

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sergeant Kenta Takahashi, a 1st Training Unit indirect fire infantryman, from Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, carries a child-sized mannequin during a JGSDF shadow program at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 5, 2018. Team Misawa played a role in the course as native English speakers. For the majority of the JGSDF Soldiers, it is the first time interacting with American service members. The JGSDF Soldiers used the English they learned by asking questions and actively engaging with Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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What does this do

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sergeant Seijiro Kaharu, a 1st Training Unit battle management system operator from Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, taps a second stage regulator during a JGSDF shadow program at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 5, 2018. During their time on Misawa AB, JGSDF Soldiers learned how U.S. and Japan service members work together to accomplish tasks and introduced new ideas to enhance execution tactics. Misawa Air Base hosts the exchanges with JGSDF personnel twice a year, allowing their basic English course students to immerse in an English-speaking military environment, further improving the relationship between the two forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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Fellowship with friendly firefighters

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soliders from 1st Training Unit, Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, and U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department, pause for a photo during a JGSDF shadow program at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 5, 2018. During their full day of relationship building, Airmen showed their JGSDF counterparts their unique jobs and shared how to accomplish their duties, allowing JGSDF Soldiers the opportunity to use a variety of new English words to increase their communication skills. By bridging the gap between the two languages, Team Misawa can better integrate with all branches of the Japan Self-Defense Force increasing mission fluidity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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Sometimes it’s good to be heavy

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers from the 1st Training Unit at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, tour a front end loader and a v-plow with U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 5, 2018,. Misawa AB works with JGSDF Soldiers to complete their basic English course final evaluation by attending a career field exchange with their U.S. Air Force counterparts practicing military English terms. The course, held at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, enhances future bilateral missions and enables seamless execution by breaking down social barriers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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Japan Soldiers break language barriers, shadow U.S. Airmen

Published March 7, 2018
By Senior Airman Sadie Colbert
35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Approximately 20 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers from Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, visited with 35th Fighter Wing Airmen as part of their basic English course, March 5.

The JGSDF basic English course affords Soldiers an opportunity to interact face-to-face with their U.S. Air Force counterparts throughout the day, immersing them in an English-speaking environment. The course is divided into three levels--basic, intermediate and advanced--for the members to accomplish.

During the shadow program, the JGSDF Soldiers toured the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron’s chemical, biological, radiological and neurological flight, explosive ordnance disposal flight, heavy shop equipment shop and the fire stations in order to apply their acquired language skills by grouping JGSDF members together with their U.S. Air Force counterparts who perform similar jobs.

Carrying to save mannequin lives

Spraying simulated fires

Mannequin carry them

What does this do

Fellowship with friendly firefighters

Sometimes it’s good to be heavy