PFC. Hideki Yoshino of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force prepares to fire an 81mm mortar round during bilateral training.

Soldiers of the Japan Ground Self-Def ense Force (JGSDF) 28 th Infantry Regiment of the 11th Division joined U.S. Army regular, reserve and National Guard troops in field training exercise NORTH WIND 99. Held at Camp Makomanai, Hokkaido, Japan, the cold weather training exercises U.S. and Japanese troops in ground operations for the bilateral defense of Japan.

U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force participants coordinate plans during the bilateral ground defense training exercise NORTH WIND 99 held at Camp Makomanai, Hokkaido.

U.S. soldiers conduct a live-fire exercise during bilateral training at Camp Makomanai, Hokkaido, Japan.

U.S. and Japanese soldiers at the opening ceremony for NORTH WIND 99.

U.S. troops get acclimated to combat operations under cold weather conditions.