A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member wears an American flag patch given to him by a Soldier at Yakima Training Center, Wash., Sept. 5. Exchanging patches is a tradition between friendly military that helps create bonds between combined forces soldiers. The patch was given during Operation Rising Thunder, a combined operation between the Army and Japan designed to increase interoperability between the two nations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn, 28th Public Affairs Detachment)