Japan Ground Self-Defense Force participates in KAMANDAG 06-22 exercise

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force participated in the KAMANDAG 06-22 ("Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma mula sa Dagat") Exercises which began on October 3 and ended on 14, 2022.

In a statement, the Embassy of Japan said that during the exercise, the JGSDF collaborated with the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC)on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) training.

Over 30 JGSDF personnel and HA/DR equipment from Japan were deployed during the training.

The JGSDF conducted functional training on using and handling HA/DR Equipment as well as the fundamentals of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear or CBRN threat defense.

Meanwhile, the USMC and PMC conducted HA/DR training on landing drills from a USMC MV-22 from the USS New Orleans.

"This is the JGSDF's fifth participation in the Exercise KAMANDAG. This is also the fourth time Japan took part in the said exercise's HA/DR Training by utilizing amphibious operations capability to maintain and enhance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific," the Japanese Embassy said.

"The KAMANDAG exercise aims to improve HA/DR capability and interoperability while fostering mutual understanding and cooperation," it added.

Kamandag is an annual bilateral exercise between the Philippine and US Marines, as this year's iteration focuses on cooperation on coastal defense and amphibious operations, live fire training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. — DVM, GMA News