US Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct cold weather training during North Wind 2024.

The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Northern Army recently hosted a closing ceremony at Camp Higashi-Chitose to mark the conclusion of North Wind 2024, as reported by Sgt. Connor Davis.
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Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) members with Heavy Mortar Platoon, HQ Coy, 28th Inf Rgt, 11th Bde, Northern Army, give a demonstration on the use of JGSDF mortars to U.S. Paratroopers from Blackfoot Coy, 1st Bn, 501st Parachute Rgt, 2nd Inf Bde, 11th Airborne Div. during North Wind 24 (Picture source: U.S. Army/Sgt. Connor Davis)

With over 150 U.S. Soldiers and 650 JGSDF members involved, this exercise, the 31st iteration of North Wind, served as a platform for both nations to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures in cold-weather field training. Such bilateral exercises enhance the operational readiness and interoperability of allied forces in diverse environments.

Representing the U.S. Army were paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 11th Airborne Division stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Spc. Dalton Crisp, an M240 machine gunner from Blackfoot Company’s second platoon, expressed his appreciation for the learning experience, highlighting the mutual exchange of knowledge between the participating units.

The training commenced with cold weather activities such as skiing and skijoring, followed by specialized training sessions covering tactical combat casualty care, mortar operations, and firearms proficiency. Live-fire exercises simulated real-world scenarios, emphasizing squad movements and sniping techniques in snowy terrain.

Competitive events further fostered camaraderie among the participants, showcasing the skill and proficiency of both U.S. and JGSDF squads. Sgt. James Markloff, a squad leader, emphasized the mutual learning opportunities during fortification training, underscoring the collaborative nature of the exercise.

Transitioning into a field exercise, troops applied their acquired skills in a practical setting, culminating in a mock attack scenario. Throughout the exercise, the camaraderie and compatibility between the allied forces were evident, reflecting their shared dedication to mission success.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) members with 28th Inf Rgt, 11th Bde, Northern Army, train with U.S. Paratroopers from Blackfoot Coy, 1st Bn, 501st Parachute Rgt, 2nd Inf Bde, 11th Airborne Div., showing them proper techniques on how to ride skis while being dragged by a JGSDF Type 10 Snowcat during North Wind 24 (Picture source: U.S. Army/Sgt. Connor Davis)

A U.S. Paratrooper with Blackfoot Company, 1st B, 501st Parachute Inf Rgt, 2nd Inf Bde, 11th Airborne Div. firing his M4 Carbine during North Wind 24 (Picture source: U.S. Army/Sgt. Connor Davis)

Defense News February 2024