Cultures stand side-by-side

By Sgt. Lauren Reader

HOKKAIDO, Japan - The 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment Wolfhounds stood side-by-side with their Japanese counterparts during the North Wind 01 opening ceremony Feb. 14.

The ceremony marked the start of a three-week cultural exchange between the two forces where they conduct training exercises, sporting activities and get to know each other’s way of life. From a stage facing their Soldiers, Lt. Col. Chelsea Chae, commander of the 2nd Bn., 27th Inf. Rgt. and Col. Hirosumi Kodama, commander of the 27th Rgt., 5th Infantry Division of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, spoke about their expectations for the weeks to come.

"Through this bilateral training exercise, we hope to sustain our combat readiness as well as improve our interoperability. We started out as strangers but I expect us to become brothers in arms," Chae said.

Kodama echoed him saying, "I would like to make further improvements with the methods of mutual cooperation and reliance on the unit level between the U.S. and Japan through this training." At the end of the speeches, company commanders received orders to march their Soldiers so they faced their counterparts.

Both Armies saluted and the company commanders met each other with a bow and handshake before marching off the parade field.

That night, the JGSDF arranged a welcoming party where the forces could get to see who they would be training with in a less formal atmosphere.

Gallons of noodles, and trays made up of Japanese cuisine awaited the Wolfhounds as they packed into the gymnasium.

The night was filled with mingling as the Wolfhounds walked around the crowded room introducing themselves, exchanging unit patches with their counterparts and taking pictures. The Japanese provided the entertainment with drums and a classical music band.

"I had a good time, the drums were great," said Spc. Gene Ceder, gunner for Co. A, 2nd Bn., 27th Inf. Rgt.

After getting to know their counterparts, the Wolfhounds gathered back on the bus talking about the next day’s activities.