TESTING THEIR LIMITS: GRUELING PT SESSION DEMONSTRATES STRONG PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN USARJ, JGSDF SENIOR NCOs

Camp Zama, Japan - Scores of senior noncommissioned officers from U.S. Army Japan and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force pitted their strength, endurance and willpower against a punishing physical fitness challenge Aug. 5, 2016, in Camp Zama, Japan. The leaders divided into five integrated teams and donned 40-pound rucksacks before embarking on a four-mile route around the post. Six physical challenges peppered the hilly, sun baked path that pushed the NCOs to their physical and mental limits. From performing dozens of pushups and pullups to lifting litters and 5-gallon water cans, the teams worked together and encouraged one another to overcome every obstacle. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard R. Clark, command sergeant major, U.S. Army Japan, organized this two-hour event to demonstrate the necessity of conducting challenging PT sessions to prepare Soldiers for the rigors of combat. The session's seamless integration of American and Japanes NCOs further reinforced the strong ties between the U.S. Army and the JGSDF. "Our Commander-in-Chief has made it very clear that America will no longer fight alone," said Clark. "The size and scope of today's contingencies demand that we form strong bonds through bilateral training events and international community outreach. Victory will go to the side with the stronger alliances. America is honored to have one of the strongest nations in the Pacific on our side." U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

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