Tag: US marines

The US Marines in Japan: Stiffening Island Defenses

Commentary The U.S. Marines, particularly its presence on Okinawa, has often seemed the bellwether of the Japan-U.S. defense relationship. And it’s usually been problematic. But recently, there was good news involving the Marines. At the “2+2 Meeting” of top Japanese and American defense and foreign affairs officials in Washington on Jan. 11, it was agreed…


US Marines Ask Court for Relief From COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Several members of the U.S. Marine Corps filed an amended complaint seeking relief from the Department of Defense’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for service members, claiming they were denied religious exemptions. The complaint was filed (pdf) in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida against the Defense Department, Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Gen. David H. Berger,…


Japan and US Marines Conduct First Joint Combat Drills Amid China, Russia Threats

Japanese and U.S. Marines conducted their first airborne landing and combat drills together on Tuesday, indicating a deepening of military cooperation in the wake of increased military assertiveness by China and Russia. The drills held near Mount Fuji were part of a three-week joint exercise, which involved about 400 troops from Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Development…


US Military Flies COVID-19 Vaccine to Australia for US Troops

The U.S. military has flown its own COVID-19 vaccine supply into the Northern Territory to inoculate the Marine Rotational Force based in Darwin in Australia’s “top end.” About 2,200 servicemen and women in the NT have started receiving their first doses, which are being administered by U.S. Navy medical officers. The vaccine is offered under…