CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Noncommissioned officers assigned to U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) welcomed their Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) counterparts to Camp Zama Feb. 25, 2016, during the Japan Sergeants Salute. This bilateral engagement recognized 15 new inductees of the Soyou Association, an NCO-led organization that selects the most talented, recently promoted sergeants from all five regional armies in the JGSDF.

The week-long event included a one-day visit to Camp Zama, where the young JGSDF sergeants and their senior NCO mentors observed and experienced life in the U.S. Army. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Eric C. Dostie, command sergeant major, USARJ, personally congratulated his guests on their recent accomplishments and complimented them on their continued commitment to empowering the partnership between their respective countries. His opening remarks and introductory brief about USARJ’s missions and capabilities were followed by a tour of Camp Zama’s airfield, military police facilities, and historical sites.

The educational formalities gave way to an evening social at the Camp Zama Community Club where USARJ and JGSDF NCOs shared their experiences over hot food, cold drinks and gift exchanges. The JGSDF service members returned their hosts’ gracious hospitality by performing humorous skits, magic tricks, juggling acts and even a judo demonstration that received hardy laughter and applause from the international audience.

The JGSDF Soyou Association members will spend three days in Okinawa meeting various commands and communities from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and all branches of the U.S. military.