WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The ATR program began in 2007 following the Defense Policy Review Initiative, in an effort to increase the US and Japan’s operation readiness forces and attempt to reduce noise and obtrusion in local Japanese communities.
"Different venues offer different training opportunities," Lt. Col. Michael Shand said in the statement on Tuesday. "The ATR program allows us to exchange better practices and also gives us an opportunity to build camaraderie with JASDF [Japan Air Self-Defense Force] members. I hope the Japanese community recognizes our effort to reduce the impact on surrounding areas as well."
The joint training exercises, which launched on January 12 and will continue until Friday, have allowed the two countries to improve understanding of their "military tactics and capabilities" as well as enhance "working relationship and overall alliance."
"Bilateral engagements such as Chitose ATR have assisted the two nations form one of the world’s strongest alliances to maintain peace and stability in the region, while building relationships to facilitate vital coordination in training and possible real world events," the statement pointed out.
