3rd Brigade Brigadier reflects on high quality exercises as Japanese wrap up Australian deployment

The Japanese Ground Self Defense Force are wrapping up their Australian deployment, taking time to reflect on their favourite highlights of working with the Australian Army.

Japanese Self-Defence Force soldiers conduct training at Line Creek Junction, Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland during Exercise Brolga Run 2024. Photo: CAPT Brittany Evans

After a successful three months in Townsville, the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) is set to jet back home this week taking their newly developed skills and a bit of Aussie culture with them.

Scorching North Queensland days of live fire, urban training, jungle operations and moving through the high range scrub has all come to a conclusion this week as 150 Japanese soldiers say farewell to Australia.

Lieutenant Colonel Nakamura said that the JGSDF appreciated the Australian Army’s support during their visit and are looking forward to continuing their partnership.

“During this time we have improved our operation, execution and ability and also improved our interoperability between us,” he said.

“Our ability has improved using the vast field for live firing exercises.”

The Japanese ground self defense force is concluding their three month training exercise in Australia and returning home. Lieutenant Colonel Nakamura and Brigadier Dave McCammon at Lavarack Barracks. Picture: Evan Morgan

Lieutenant Colonel Nakamura said that his troops had enjoyed the variety in landscapes and learning how to adapt their training to jungle areas such as Tully.

“There were really high temperatures and it was really humid and for personnel it was a really difficult situation but conducting an exercise in that area makes us much stronger than beforehand,” he said.

Japanese Self-Defence Force soldiers conduct training at Line Creek Junction, Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland during Exercise Brolga Run 2024. Photo: CAPT Brittany Evans

“These exercises are very important for improving our interoperability between us and a very good opportunity for the personnel individually so they can enhance their ability and also the relationship between the individuals was good.”

Although Lieutenant Colonel Nakamura said they are sad to be leaving Australia, they will be making their return in 2025 for Exercise Southern Jackaroo.

Commander of 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Dave McCammon said that these exercises are always an important opportunity to strengthen friendships and alliances.

“I reflect now on where we started and where we finished and I can say that the quality of the training and the integration of the training in our live fire activities is amazing and that was due to the strength of leadership of the Japanese team that came and parts of the brigade that integrated together,” he said.

“When the Japanese come back, we will be starting at a higher level of training and integration and we’ll have a greater opportunity to interact so it’ll be fantastic.”

Originally published as 3rd Brigade Brigadier reflects on high quality exercises as Japanese wrap up Australian deployment