The III Marine Expeditionary Force kicked off participation in the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 with an opening ceremony 14 October. RD 23 FTX, spanning from 14-31 October is the third iteration of the bilateral exercise hosted by III MEF and the Japan Ground Self-Defense and will feature forces in multiple locations across Japan. Both U.S. and Japan units will rehearse and strengthen their command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities as part of a stand-in force.

“This training will continue to build upon and emphasize linkages between the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s cross domain operations and Marine Corps concepts like expeditionary advanced base operations and support to all-domain fleet and joint operations,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adam Chalkley, the 3rd Marine Logistics Group commanding general. “It will also showcase our partnership’s ability to deter and counter threats by deploying and dispersing throughout the first island chain, and to be postured to fight from anywhere.”

U.S. Army forces, such as the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, elements of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, and the U.S. Air Force’s 353 Special Operations Wing will work alongside the Western Army, JGSDF, and external enablers to include Air and Maritime Self-Defense Forces in this iteration. III MEF will contribute approximately 3,300 Marines and Sailors to the exercise.