Lt. Gen. John Wissler, right, speaks with Lt. Gen.

Lt. Gen. John Wissler, right, speaks with Lt. Gen. Naotada Moriyama, left, after exchanging gifts during a visit with Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, at the Central Training Area Feb. 5. As part of the Japan Observer Exchange Program, a platoon of JGSDF members has spent weeks living and integrating with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during the MEU’s pre-deployment training in order to better understand amphibious operations to enhance security and stability of the region. The involvement of JGSDF soldiers in the MEU’s regularly scheduled training comes in response to the April 2012 U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee, also known as the 2+2, calling for more dynamic defense cooperation and bilateral training. Moriyama is the commanding general of the 8th Division. Wissler commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force and commander of Marine Forces Japan. BLT 2/5 is with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force.