Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan - Marines with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, conducted a demonstration of ground combat elements June 28 for more than 100 Japan Air Self Defense Force officer candidates as part of the Japanese Officer Exchange program.

The candidates viewed presentations of infantry squad combat, field communication and amphibious warfare at various locations in Camp Schwab.

The JOE is an exchange between Japanese and U.S. military personnel designed to improve interoperability and harbor a healthy international relationship between both forces.

"The exchange is a great way for our Japanese counterparts to see just what we're doing and how we work," said 1st Lt. Andrew Howard, the intelligence officer of 4th Marines. "They've turned out to be a great way to show them around (our base) and maybe even give them ideas for use in the future."

The candidates first visited the Camp Schwab Rifle Range, where Marines demonstrated fire team formations, infantry patrolling and rapid reloading procedures. They also showcased several ground combat weapons and field radios.

Afterward, Marines exhibited light armored and amphibious assault vehicles at Combat Assault Battalion's lower ramp, where candidates walked through vehicles and gained a better understanding of them.

The exchange concluded with a debrief at the BeachHead club, where candidates had an opportunity to ask questions relating to subjects covered earlier.

It is vital the two forces work together through events such as these to communicate effectively and better understand each other, said Daiki Tanaka, a JASDF officer candidate.

"We don't have combat experience, so hearing all of this now is very important to us," Tanaka said. "It's very possible that any of us can go to Iraq soon, and it helps to understand how Marines function in war while we're here instead of having to figure everything out during a mission."