Paratrooper Liam is put through his paces with Japanese forces

A paratrooper from Hebburn is in Japan training with the Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces (JGSDF).

- by Gazette Reporter

Lance Corporal Liam O’Brien is on the mountainous island of Hokkaido for Exercise Vigilant Isles, which sees A Company, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (A Coy, 2 PARA) working with the JGSDF's 5th Brigade.

"The troops are working to practice how to defend against an invading force. It's important to work with other countries’ armies so we can be ready to work with them on operations,” the 28-year-old said.

“The Japanese soldiers are really friendly and - while there is a language barrier—we're doing our best to get to know each other.”