Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces joins KAMANDAG 06-22

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) joined marine troops from the Philippines and United States, for the KAMANDAG 06-22 (“Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma mula sa Dagat”) Exercises, wherein they conducted Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) training with the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) from 03-14 October 2022.
 
About 30 JGSDF Personnel along with HA/DR equipment from Japan, were deployed to participate on the annual exercise. Accordingly, the JGSDF conducted a functional training with the PMC on the use and handling of HA/DR Equipment and the fundamentals of CBRN threat. HA/DR training were also held with USMC and PMC, in conjunction with the PMC’s landing drills from USMC MV-22 from the USS New Orleans.
 
This is the JGSDF’s fifth participation to the Exercise KAMANDAG. This is also fourth time, Japan took part in the said exercise’s HA/DR Training by utilizing amphibious operations capability in order to maintain and enhance “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
 
The KAMANDAG exercise aims to improve HA/DR capability and interoperability, while fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.