U.S. troops are training to recapture islands during a 15-nation exercise that includes amphibious assaults, airborne operations and live-fire drills.
U.S. Marines and Japanese infantry rained live fire on a training ground on Kyushu during the centerpiece drill of this year’s Resolute Dragon.
The drill marked the first time forces conducted simulated enemy combat during this year’s Iron First exercise, a spokesman told Stars and Stripes.
Led by the U.S. and Thailand, the annual Cobra Gold exercise is considered the longest-running international military exercise in the world.