Partnership in the Pacific

Signal, Jun 2008 by Boland, Rita

The details of U.S. troop involvement in the up-and-running center are still being worked out; however, training opportunities, liaisons and interoperability will be increased for all parties. One part of the interoperability challenge that must be overcome is the language barrier. To nullify that problem, both sides use technology and old-fashioned language training to facilitate an effective exchange of information.

Collaboration and coordination will be conducted via a variety of unclassified and bilateral classified systems. Mutual interoperability involving communications and computers will ensure effective operations for the full spectrum of missions and efforts involving the two countries' militaries.

According to Maj. Akiguchi, the Japanese, as do the Americans, believe that their working relationship will grow stronger as the ADC relocation is implemented. JASDF and Air Force members will work together in the new headquarters to look at a common operational picture. He adds that Japanese and U.S. airmen will work alongside one another, deepening mutual understanding not only of the operational sphere but also of the cultural sphere.

In addition to the ADC Headquarters, the Bilateral Joint Coordination Center will be located at Yokota. The center will perform a function to facilitate bilateral actions for the defense of Japan by enabling close coordination between headquarters Self-Defense Force and U.S. forces. It also will improve interoperability by allowing the Self-Defense Force and U.S. troops to share the same information. The coordination center involves work with air defense and ballistic missile defense.

Another step toward strengthening U.S.-Japanese relations is the collocation of an air and missile defense coordination center with the headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan. This move is central to the continuing success of information sharing and coordination between the United States and Japan. The center will incorporate robust communications and a comprehensive common operating picture to make the two partner militaries more capable and to enable them to maintain security better in the Pacific region.

Improving and fortifying the U.S.-Japanese military relationship is important for Japan's defense as well as for operations in the larger Pacific. The two nations share certain ideals and benefit from shared resources. According to U.S. Forces Japan, "Japan is a committed ally and partner -there is no more important partner in this region that enhances regional stability. We have the same democratic values: respect for human rights and rule of law, free and fair trade."

In addition, Japan is the world's second largest economy, offering financial and technological resources to security in the region and internationally. The Asian nation also has a strategic location that enables defense of critical ocean trade routes and places U.S. forces within minutes or hours of regional flashpoints.

Despite the intrinsic value of location and proximity, transforming and maintaining a strong alliance extends beyond the issue of real estate. According to U.S. Forces Japan, defining the capabilities of each partner and then developing those strengths through bilateral training and collocation cements a proficient alliance. Some focus areas include: missile defense, countering proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, bilateral training and exercises and strengthening Japan's role in regional and global affairs.