36th Airlift Squadron, JGSDF team up for jump training

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade stares out of the open paratroop door before static line jumps over Narashino drop zone, Chiba, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. Approximately, One-hundred twenty-one JASDF paratroopers conducted airborne jumps from U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron to improve tactical skills necessary for airborne operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Braden Anderson)

36th Airlift Squadron, JGSDF team up for jump training

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade points out of the open paratroop of a 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Hercules before static line jumps over Narashino drop zone, Chiba, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. This training provided aircrews the opportunity to communicate directly with JGSDF personnel and make necessary adjustments during the preparation phase and while in flight to carry out the training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Braden Anderson)

36th Airlift Squadron, JGSDF team up for jump training

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldier assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade carries his gear to a 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules prior to a joint jump event starting at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. The training allowed U.S. Air Force and JGSDF units to work alongside each other while improving the readiness of both armed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jarrett Smith)

36th Airlift Squadron, JGSDF team up for jump training

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldier performs an equipment check on another soldier prior to boarding a 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules for a joint jump event starting at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. The exercise allowed unique training opportunities for both allies to share different techniques while enhancing combat readiness and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jarrett Smith)

36th Airlift Squadron, JGSDF team up for jump training

Soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 1st Airborne Brigade, boarded a 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules for a joint jump training starting at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. The focus of the event was to improve interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and JGSDF through defense and information exchanges to deepen mutual between the units, while further cementing the U.S. and Japanese alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jarrett Smith)

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36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules takes off prior to a joint jump training starting at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. The 374th Airlift Wing, supported the JGSDF force with aircraft transportation to the Narashino drop zone, Chiba, Japan. Loadmaster and jump masters ensure an effective interoperability training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jarrett Smith)

36th Airlift Squadron, JGSDF team up for jump training

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade jump out of a 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Hercules over Narashino drop zone, Chiba, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. The training emphasizes the U.S. and Japan’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region all while showcasing the capabilities of the 374th Airlift wing as well as the paratroopers from 1st Airborne Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Braden Anderson)

36th Airlift Squadron, JGSDF team up for jump training

Published Nov. 18, 2022
By Staff Sgt. Braden Anderson
347th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

Yokota’s own 36th Airlift Squadron and members from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force teamed up in an effort to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance by executing training jumps over Narashino drop zone, Chiba, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022.

Approximately 121 JGSDF paratroopers from the 1st Airborne Brigade jumped from C-130J aircraft assigned to the 36th AS for multiple days, sustaining the wing’s airlift capabilities and its effectiveness to transport and insert JGSDF personnel.

“We are demonstrating our capability to operate as a joint unit in real-world or contingency scenarios,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeff Breaugh, 36th AS mission commander. “This is an opportunity for us to practice and train to either airdrop JGSDF personnel or airdrop U.S. personnel to Japanese ground forces with their pathfinders on the ground.”

Jumpmasters from the JGSDF coordinated with 36th AS pilots and mission planners to help ensure the overall effectiveness of the jump training and safety of the paratroopers. This training provided 36th AS aircrews the opportunity to communicate directly with JGSDF personnel and make necessary adjustments during the preparation phase and while conducting the training in flight.

“This training allows us to share techniques, tactics and procedures to develop new and innovative ways to airdrop and deliver personnel,” said Breaugh. “We are constantly building ties with our Japan Ground Self-Defense Force counterparts, effectively using our resources, and cooperating in a joint environment to execute our mission.

This specific jump is just one training event between U.S. and Japan forces that emphasizes the U.S. and Japan’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, all while showcasing the capabilities of the 374th Airlift wing as well as the JGSDF.