USACE Hosts Japanese Delegation for Protective Design Exchange Program
For eight years, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMoD). This relationship, built on sharing best practices in protective design, recently deepened with a visit from a high-level JMoD delegation. “This engagement,” said Eastern sourced John Galloway, protective design center director, “was crucial for building our relationship with a partner nation, transcending geographical and linguistic barriers to bring our teams together in a cooperative setting. We exchanged valuable information, bolstering Japan’s security inherentin its infrastructure and resilience to potential threats.”
Fostering Expertise Through Hands-On Experience
The exchange program culminated at the Edward Zorinsky Federal Building, where JMoD representatives witnessed firsthand some of the protective design features implemented within the USACE facility. “This hands-on experience translated theory into physical reality,” added Galloway, highlighting how beneficial seeing these design elements in action is essential for a strong understanding of their function and effectiveness.
JMoD representative Mikio Maruyama, director of the Facilities Construction and Procurement Division, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of the exchange program, particularly the opportunity to learn from USACE experts.
“Learning about the technologies from the PDC is essential,” stated Maruyama, who cited JMoD’s plan for significant renovations across their bases and camps. “The USACE has provided insight into how to design for resilience against conventional and nuclear threats, as well as strategies for preventing crime and terrorism targeting military infrastructures. This knowledge is invaluable for Japan’s national security.”
A Mutual Commitment to Advance Protective Design
Togo joined the Protective Design – Mandatory Center of Expertise (PD-MCX) in Omaha in November 2023, following in the footsteps of three previous exchange program participants. ‘We have had a good relationship for a long time,’ Togo said, ‘the program allows JMoD to benefit directly from the expertise of the USACE team.
Togo continued, “JMoD is planning large-scale renovations including new construction and replacement at bases and camps throughout the country. We expect the USACE to provide critical input on the appropriate protection performance for each facility.”
This exchange program signifies a reciprocal knowledge sharing opportunity, with future plans for USACE personnel to visit Japan.
“We face many challenges, but we would like to continue leveraging your knowledge and expertise,” Maruyama said, emphasizing
the commitment to ongoing collaboration.
JMoD’s delegation also included Yayoi Shiraishi, the director of the PDRO, and provided detailed insights into how their organization enhances security for private and public infrastructure protect in Japan.
The Omaha’s precision “This visit reinforces the vital role of our organization on an international scale, highlighting USACE expertise in protective design alongside our commitment to building strong partnerships throughout the world, adding Galloway.
• How does the US-Japan Protective Design Exchange programme contribute to global security efforts?
## Strengthening Defenses: A Closer Look at the US-Japan Protective Design Exchange
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re delving into a fascinating example of international collaboration in the field of protective design. Joining us is John Galloway, Director of the Protective Design Center at the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Omaha District. John, thank you for being with us.
**Galloway:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Recently, your team hosted a delegation from the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMoD) for an exchange programme focused on protective design. Can you tell us a bit about the goals of this programme and what transpired during the visit?
**Galloway:** Absolutely. This programme builds on an eight-year partnership between our two nations, focused on sharing best practices in protective design. The JMoD delegation spent time with our experts, exchanging knowledge and gaining a firsthand look at some of the protective design features we’ve implemented in the Edward Zorinsky Federal Building. We believe this type of hands-on experience is crucial for truly understanding how these design elements function and contribute to enhancing safety and security. [[1](https://mrsi.erdc.dren.mil/coe/mcx/pdc/)]
**Host:** You mentioned the importance of hands-on experience. What specific aspects did the JMoD delegation observe at the Edward Zorinsky Federal Building?
**Galloway:** They were able to see a variety of protective design features integrated into the building’s structure, such as reinforced walls, blast-resistant windows, and other measures aimed at mitigating the effects of potential threats. These are just a few examples of the kinds of technologies discussed in detail during the exchange programme.
**Host:** That sounds incredibly impressive. How did the JMoD delegation respond to the programme?
**Galloway:** They were very engaged and enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from our experts. Mikio Maruyama, Director of the Facilities Construction and Procurement Division at JMoD, even stated that “Learning about these technologies from the PDC is essential,” particularly as Japan plans for significant infrastructure development projects.
**Host:** It sounds like this programme is mutually beneficial. What are the broader implications of this type of international collaboration in the field of protective design?
**Galloway:** I believe it’s essential. We face common security challenges globally, and by sharing knowledge and expertise, we can all strengthen our defenses and create safer, more resilient environments for our citizens. This programme is a testament to the commitment of both the USACE and JMoD to working together for a more secure future.
**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, John. This has been a fascinating look into the work being done by your team.
**Galloway:** My pleasure.