Soldiers from the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team,

Soldiers from the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, and the 25th Infantry Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, conduct an urban assault drill during Rising Thunder 19 at Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Washington, Sept. 5.
The Japanese and Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers tag-teamed an urban assault course, attacking from all angles. The drills tested each squad's ability to work as a team against an armed threat. Rising Thunder 19 has been all about that collective goal of getting units to work together in preparation for potential global conflicts.
Rising Thunder 2019 is an annual exercise between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and is part of Pacific Pathways 19-3. RT19 is a USARPAC-sponsored capstone event. U.S. Army Units participating include the 7th Infantry Division and the Illinois Army National Guard's 108th Sustainment Brigade and 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The exercise consists of company/platoon unilateral and bilateral training events in two phases, culminating with a bilateral live-fire exercise. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Camacho Roberts) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Camacho Roberts)