U.S. troopers and Japanese liaison officers can put on a singular uniform patch combining the Japanese and American flags, which was introduced throughout a ceremony at Camp Zama, Japan, on Friday.
The patch could be worn on a soldier’s left shoulder sleeve, Army officers stated through the ceremony.
“You’re all a part of historical past being made at the moment in probably the most consequential area on the most consequential time,” U.S. Army Japan commander Maj. Gen. JB Vowell stated in a press launch.
“Collectively, [this patch shows] our resolve to face with our companions in all points to take care of a free and open Indo-Pacific with our anchoring allies and mates in Japan,” Vowell added.
The Pentagon is continuous to shift its consideration to Asia and the Pacific Ocean because the gravity of U.S. overseas coverage is drawn to China within the coming years.
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The mixed flag patch is a small token. However the launch acknowledged that it’s meant to represent the bilateral partnership between Japan and the U.S., a relationship which is essential to struggle and disaster plans involving China and North Korea.
U.S. Army Japan is below U.S. Forces Japan and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The Army forces on Japan embody a battalion from tenth Special Forces Group, an air protection artillery brigade, indicators troops, transportation models and assist forces.
U.S. troopers are primarily based on Honshu, Japan’s fundamental island, and likewise Okinawa, the place native residents have traditionally had a tense relationship with the U.S. navy presence.