U.S., Japanese forces attend anti-terrorism course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than 40 military and civilian personnel from around the Kanto Plain attended an Anti-Terrorism Level II training seminar at the Taiyo Community Center here Sept. 27- Oct. 1.

The training was a five day seminar focused on anti-terrorism and force protection planning.

"We [train] to ensure that personnel can supply information to their units and develop plans for protection in the event of an increased threat or Force Protection Conditions at an installation," said Mark Kinner, Asymmetric Threat Division senior analyst.

During the course of the five-day seminar the attendees participated in a mock exercise and discussion groups working in a diverse atmosphere of Air Force, Navy, Army and civilian personnel from both the United States and Japan.

"The group project was my favorite part because it brought together people from different services and backgrounds with a specific goal. The goal was to analyze data and act accordingly to protect a base," said Staff Sgt. Jairo Ramirez, 733 Air Mobility Squadron unit security manager from Kadena Air Base.

Attendees learned about everything from the history of terrorism to which type of barricade will stop a 5,000 pound truck.

Along with members from the Army, Navy and Air Force members from the Japan Self Defense Force were also in attendance.

Major Ryuji Yamawaki, United States Forces Japan base research group, said the course taught him how to deal with real situations involving terrorism.

"It is important that we all come together and share knowledge, because the U.S. and Japan have a lot in common, it is just as important for us to learn from other military groups, like the Air Force and Navy, as it is for them to learn from us," said Major Yamawaki

The training that the attendees received gives them the ability to become anti-terrorism instructors as well as help them become better Anti-Terrorism Officers and subject matter experts.

"In today's world, anti-terrorism is paramount to protect lives and the mission," Sergeant Ramirez said. "AT training is how everyone involved understands his or her part within the AT concept."