Japan, U.S. Soldiers compare mortar techniques

Lt. John Breeden (left), mortar platoon leader of the Missouri Army National Guard's 1/138th Infantry Regiment, explains the specifications of a U.S. mortar round to Col. Takeshi Hirano, the regimental commander for the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces's 26th Infantry Regiment. (Capt. Carrie Lamm-Clark, Missouri Army National Guard)

By U.S. Army Sgt. Nathan Hastings, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Illinois Army National Guard
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

KAMI-FURANO, Japan - Missouri National Guard Soldiers got a different look at some of the same equipment they use on a regular basis. Mortarmen from 1/138th Infantry Regiment, Missouri Army National Guard, learned how the Heavy Mortar Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces, operate and fire their weapons.

"My counterparts are very impressive," said Lt. John Breeden, of Kansas City, Mo., a mortar platoon leader with the 138th. "They set up everything. Their firing position is very developed. They conduct themselves and their operations in a very similar manner."

Breeden said the Heavy Mortar Co. uses different charges and techniques than Americans would during the same missions. He said these are tactics his own platoon might try when returning home.

The Japanese and American's 81 millimeter mortar systems are similar in many ways, including weapon's setup and breakdown.

"The majority of the parts are the same as ours," said Spc. Dannie Dearmon, a native of Pleasant Hill, Mo. "They have a couple differences that seem to make their equipment more functional than ours. The same goes for our equipment."

Dearmon said one advantage to the Japanese 120 millimeter mortar is its ability to mount to a trailer, which prevents them from having to load and unload the mortar off of a truck.

The Missouri Soldiers also complimented their Japanese counterparts on their skill and professionalism.

"The Japanese Northern Army is very professional and very good at what they do," said Dearmon.

Approximately 400 National Guard members from six states are working with about 200 Soldiers from the Japanese military during the Orient Shield exercise. The Missouri National Guard is playing a big role during the two-week training from Nov. 2-11.

The 138th is headquartered in Kansas City and maintains units in St. Louis, Boonville, Perryville, Monett, Anderson and Jefferson City.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

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Soldiers with Heavy Mortar Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, prepare to fire a 120 millimeter mortar at live-fire mortar training during Orient Shield 11 at Camp Kami-Furano, Japan. The focus of the exercise is tactical combat, battle staff operations and training at the battalion and regimental level and below. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nathan Hastings)