The 25th Infantry Division, stationed in Hawaii, recently concluded a demanding two-week training exercise, showcasing the U.S. military’s dedication to evolving its tactics to meet contemporary warfare challenges. This Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) exercise, reported by Army Times, involved over 5,300 troops from various nations and focused on sophisticated large-scale combat scenarios against a formidable adversary.
The exercise, hosted at the JPMRC headquartered at Fort Shafter, integrated infantry, artillery, reconnaissance units, and specialized forces including the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, UK special operators, the Army’s 1st Special Forces Group, and Air Force Special Tactics. Their collective mission, to seize airfields and engage in long-range fires and intelligence, was conducted across multiple Hawaiian Islands, providing a realistic backdrop for practicing island-hopping tactics crucial in the Pacific theater.
Participants also included international forces such as Thai infantry, New Zealand artillery, and an Indonesian infantry platoon, demonstrating the exercise’s focus on multinational interoperability and readiness. Col. Dave Zinn, deputy commander for operations of the 25th
Infantry Division, highlighted the unique training opportunities JPMRC offers for Operation Pathways, a program designed to integrate U.S. units with Pacific allies.
A significant advancement in this year’s exercise was the inclusion of electronic warfare, cyber, space, drone, and counter-drone assets. This added capability was critical for units like Bravo Company, led by Capt. Theodore Davis, which conducted reconnaissance and assault operations in varied terrains against simulated enemy forces.
Maj. Ryan Yamaguchi of the 25th Division Artillery, who spoke to Hawaii News Now, emphasized the unique operational challenges presented by the Hawaiian environment. The training incorporated modern warfare equipment such as the M777 Howitzer and various aviation assets, including Black Hawks, Chinooks, Apache helicopters, and drones, enhancing the troops’ combat readiness.
This exercise, conducted in the authentic Pacific environments of Hawaii, offered significant logistical and cost advantages over mainland training centers. It also necessitated thoughtful coordination with local communities to minimize disruptions, with Army leaders implementing measures to address resident concerns.
The completion of this comprehensive exercise, as detailed by Army Times and Hawaii News Now, positions the 25th Infantry Division for its upcoming 2024 Operation Pathways deployment, underscoring the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining superior readiness and international cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
