Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III visited Camp Asaka, Japan, today, speaking with leaders and troops from the U.S., Japan and Australia, who are participating in Exercise Yama Sakura.
The secretary had a chance to talk to troops and leaders of the three nations.
He told them that having the right platforms and processes is important. But more importantly it is having the right kind of committed people.
"I see some very junior members and also some very senior members, which is the way it ought to be," Austin said.
The secretary challenged them to continue learning and helping others develop and share their ideas and what they learned.
Later at a press briefing, Austin said that the military takes good people and develops them into better people, providing them opportunities to expand their horizons.
"Service to the nation is important and I think it provides the individual who serves tremendous benefits," he said.
"One of my mentors used to always say that to serve is to live, and I believe that. I believe in being a part of something bigger than yourself and in giving back to this great country that's provided us so much," he said.
"And I'm absolutely proud of the young men and women that are serving in our ranks today. They are the world's finest in my view," he said.
Camp Asaka is home of the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces Ground Central Command.
"It's great to see full Australian participation in this year's exercise," said a senior defense official. The exercise started Dec. 3 and concludes Dec. 14.
Since 1982, the exercise only included Japan and the United States.