Japan - Six Month Deployment

These are just some pictures that I took while I was part of a Unit Deployment Program(UDP) to Okinawa, Japan. Part of the UDP program was to participate and train in local countries with the local military forces. Such forces consisted of Japanese Army, Royal Thai Marines, and even South Korean Forces. Also to maintain a force in readiness, in case something were to happen overseas.

My experience was pretty amazing, I spent time off base, saw the lifestyles of some of the locals, met some people that were nice and a few that weren't so friendly. Regardless of my time in the Military, I would say that I still remember my time there as if it was yesterday.

A Torri is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred.

The Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment, and the national dress of Japan. It is a T-shaped, wrapped-front garment and is worn left over right (unless the wearer is deceased). It is usually worn with an obi belt, alongside a number of other accessories, such as zōri shoes and tabi socks.