Jacobs colleague participates in joint military training exercise in Japan

Around the world, our armed forces veterans and reservists bring diverse experience to Jacobs, from leadership and project management skills, to logistics and engineering capability. Some also continue to contribute expertise to important community projects and other initiatives such as joining the British Government’s response to Hurricane Irma.

A Jacobs colleague recently returned home to the U.K. from a historic military exercise.  Fifty British reserve soldiers took part in ‘Exercise Vigilant Isles’ in Japan – the first time any nation, with the exception of U.S. Forces, has trained on Japanese soil.

As part of the two-week exercise, British soldiers from the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) based in London, joined forces with one hundred and fifty of their counterparts in the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF). The aim of Exercise Vigilant Isles was to strengthen the relationship between the two forces while sharing tactics and surveillance techniques.

Henry Longton, a building surveyor with Jacobs and a reservist with the HAC, took part in the exercise at the Fuji Training Camp.  This involved conducting joint drills and demonstrating the equipment used in operations, before travelling to Ojihara in northern Japan to carry out a field exercise alongside the JGSDF.

“I feel privileged to have played a role in this historic military event that has seen the coming together and collaboration of these two important nations,” Longton said. “The JGSDF was extremely welcoming and hospitable throughout the duration of our visit. It was an important learning curve for both nations, allowing greater understanding of one another’s capabilities, while strengthening ties between the two nations.”

Jacobs has a long-established relationship with the U.K. Armed Forces, having supported the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for more than 30 years. In 2016, Jacobs received an award from the MOD for its support and commitment to the U.K. Armed Forces. The award is part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) which recognizes organizations that demonstrate or advocate support to defense and the armed forces community, and have values aligned with the U.K. Armed Forces Covenant. Jacobs has several initiatives in place to support the U.K. Armed Forces community, including supporting employees’ annual reservist training and commitments, forums to share experiences, and development and secondment opportunities.