Army veterinary personnel at Camp Zama hosted a joint training event focused on tactical combat casualty care for military working dogs, bringing together U.S. service members and Japanese civilian veterinary partners to strengthen readiness and deepen cross-organizational cooperation.
The Camp Zama branch of Veterinary Readiness Activity, Japan, led the K-9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care training with participation from U.S. Navy military working dog handlers from Naval Air Facility Atsugi and veterinary professionals from a local Japanese clinic. The exercise was designed to improve trauma care procedures for military working dogs while reinforcing shared medical standards across military and civilian partners.
Officials said the event highlighted the importance of leveraging partnerships to improve operational capability. By integrating Camp Zama personnel, Navy handlers and bilateral veterinary partners, the training created an opportunity to align techniques, improve communication and build familiarity among organizations that may need to work together during emergencies or contingency operations.
Military working dogs remain a critical asset in security, detection and force protection missions, making effective trauma care and rapid response procedures essential to sustaining readiness. Leaders said the training helped standardize care practices and ensured participants could apply consistent treatment methods under high-stress conditions.
The event also strengthened ties with the local veterinary community, underscoring the value of international cooperation in supporting military missions in Japan. Organizers said the collaboration improved joint medical readiness while fostering bilateral interoperability between U.S. forces and host-nation partners.
By standardizing trauma care and enhancing coordination among joint-service personnel and international veterinary professionals, the training improved operational readiness and reinforced the role of partnerships in sustaining mission success.