3d MEB: Resolute Dragon 25

KUMAMOTO, Japan — Marines and Sailors with the 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) recently demonstrated combat readiness and lethal capabilities alongside Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Western Army troops during Resolute Dragon 25, reinforcing the U.S.-Japan alliance as a critical deterrent against aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The exercise focused on validating forward command-and-control operations and bolstering bilateral cooperation, showcasing the MEB’s ability to rapidly deploy and dominate any contested environment alongside its JGSDF allies.

The brigade executed a dynamic Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force (ACM) movement from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, to Camp Kengun in Kumamoto. Multiple aircraft delivered Marines and critical combat equipment in staggered echelons, demonstrating the MEB’s expeditionary prowess and readiness for immediate, high-intensity engagement.

“Our ability to rapidly deploy from Okinawa and establish a III MEF Forward Command and Control node validates that 3rd MEB is poised to respond decisively to any threat, anywhere, anytime” stated Colonel Bart Lambert, 3d MEB operations officer. “Resolute Dragon provided a critical opportunity to validate these procedures alongside our steadfast Japanese partners, solidifying our combined ability to deter adversaries and, if necessary, defeat them with overwhelming lethality.”

"Our ability to rapidly deploy from Okinawa and establish a III MEF Forward Command and Control node validates that 3rd MEB is poised to respond decisively to any threat, anywhere, anytime. Resolute Dragon provided a critical opportunity to validate these procedures alongside our steadfast Japanese partners, solidifying our combined ability to deter adversaries and, if necessary, defeat them with overwhelming lethality." said Colonel Bart Lambert, 3d MEB operations officer

The deployment underscored the MEB’s capacity to swiftly transition from meticulous planning to aggressive execution, emphasizing the importance of combined rehearsals in ensuring both U.S. and Japanese forces can deliver a coordinated and devastating response to emerging challenges.

“This exercise was not merely a logistical effort about transporting Marines and equipment —it was a deliberate demonstration of applying efficient combat capabilities to sustain high-tempo operations in forward-deployed environments” explained GySgt Andria K. Moore BGOCC Mobility Chief/MEF FWD G4. “We proved that we can uphold a fully mission-capable force, ensuring our Marines were continuously supplied, equipped, and prepared to fight and succeed in any given environment.”

"This exercise was not merely a logistical effort about transporting Marines and equipment —it was a deliberate demonstration of applying efficient combat capabilities to sustain high-tempo operations in forward-deployed environments. We proved that we can uphold a fully mission-capable force, ensuring our Marines were continuously supplied, equipped, and prepared to fight and succeed in any given environment." said GySgt Andria K. Moore BGOCC Mobility Chief/MEF FWD G4

Upon establishing a bilateral ground operations coordination center with the JGSDF Western Army, the two forces engaged in combined planning, realistic staff rehearsals, and partnered operations designed to maximize interoperability and sharpen their collective combat edge. These rehearsals focused on integrated fires and maneuver, demonstrating a seamless ability to concentrate lethal effects on potential targets.

“From a fires and effects perspective, this was a crucial test of our ability to rapidly integrate with the JGSDF and synchronize our devastating capabilities,” said Major Jason Pecore, 3d MEB fires plans officer. “That level of teamwork is the cornerstone of success in any real-world conflict, allowing us to deliver precision strikes and overwhelming firepower.”

"From a fires and effects perspective, this was a crucial test of our ability to rapidly integrate with the JGSDF and synchronize our devastating capabilities. That level of teamwork is the cornerstone of success in any real-world conflict, allowing us to deliver precision strikes and overwhelming firepower." said Major Jason Pecore, 3d MEB fires plans officer

Resolute Dragon 25 highlighted the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and reaffirmed 3d MEB’s role as a rapidly deployable, combat-credible, and consistently lethal force in the Indo-Pacific region. 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade maintains a persistent forward presence in the Pacific theater strengthening alliances in unwavering support of U.S. national security strategy. As the mid-sized Marine Air-Ground Task Force of choice for rapidly deployable crisis response, 3d MEB provides a scalable, joint-capable, forward-deployed warfighting headquarters prepared to meet any challenge. It operates across the competition continuum, from fostering regional cooperation and responding to crises to engaging in high-intensity conflict, while enhancing regional readiness, interoperability with allied and partner nations, and ensuring access throughout the Indo-Pacific.

USMC article written by

1stLt Jimenez, Giovanni A.