Exercise Participation
The scope and frequency of U.S. Forces Japan participation in major exercises has been in decline since the late 1990s. This is largely attributable to the DoD combatant command reorganizations that took place in the years following the terror attacks of September 11. United States Pacific Command (US PACOM), the parent command of U.S. Forces Japan, has taken on larger and broader roles during exercises in Japan, particularly in those exercises on mainland Japan.
Of note is the Keen X series of exercises, which includes Keen Edge, Keen Sword, and Keen Blade. Keen Blade exercises no longer exist due to funding limitations, but Keen Edge (a biannual command post exercise) and Keen Sword (a biannual field exercise) still do take place, albeit at significantly reduced levels from years past. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the high-water marks for these exercises. According to the Federation of American Scientists, US PACOM will likely assume control of all Keen X exercises by 2009.
U.S. Forces Japan has no control or authority over subordinate command exercises beyond manipulation of Force Protection Condition levels, which is the only area of tactical control residing with U.S. Forces Japan. Current fiscal realities and the declining role of U.S. Forces Japan as a center of gravity for U.S. military policy in Japan may guide future leaders to question a continued need for the organization.
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