Okinawa-based U.S. Marines from 3d Marine Division will conduct artillery training under the Artillery Relocation Training Program (ARTP) at the Ojojihara Maneuver Area, Japan, from May 17 to June 11, 2023, to maintain readiness and proficiency. This training is essential to the United States’ ability to uphold our obligations to the security of Japan under Article V of The Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.                         

The exercise will feature essential, realistic training, to include live artillery fire, low-light (night) training, and small-arms fire designed to sharpen Marine warfighting skills. Realistic training opportunities, especially night training, ensure that Marines are prepared to bring lethal artillery fire to any fight, day or night. The designated firing times are in accordance with bilateral agreements between the Government of Japan (GoJ) and United States Forces Japan (USFJ) and will occur from May 25 to June 3, 2023. 

ARTP is a bilateral initiative created by the 1996 Special Action Committee on Okinawa and is designed to maintain readiness and ensure the stable basing of U.S. Forces in Japan. The program relocates live-fire artillery training from Okinawa onto mainland Japan, providing different environments and opportunities for Marines in support of regional security throughout Japan and the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S.-Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The skills developed at ARTP increase the lethality and proficiency of the only permanently forward-deployed artillery unit in the Marine Corps, enabling them to provide precision indirect fires. As a maneuver warfare organization, it is imperative that Marines train in both infantry and artillery tactics to ensure readiness and capability.       

This, and all other key training exercises, are conducted in accordance with applicable and relevant agreements between the United States and Government of Japan.