Jana,

Apparently U.S. is planning to key some electronic stimulii (sp?) to the synaptic firings, circadian rythms, and attention bursts (not spans - bursts is more accurate) of American and Japanese soldiers.

Expect some previously undiagnosed epilepsy to surface. Sony ESP + Pokemon + Old Fashioned U.S. Mind Control = datadatadata?

It will be interesting to watch this unfold.

vM

Wednesday, February 16, 2000

JAPAN

US and Tokyo hold virtual military exercises

ASSOCIATED PRESS in Tokyo

Updated at 2.45pm: US and Japanese forces began a week of computer simulated military exercises on Wednesday, the first since revised guidelines on joint military cooperation were enacted last year.

The exercises, dubbed ''Keen Edge 00,'' will involve 5,000 Japanese military personnel and 1,350 Americans. It is part of an annual series that alternates with field training exercises.

During the exercises, which will last until February 24, Japanese and US headquarters staff will use computer simulations to practice what they would do in a military crisis.

''It's more or less a cost-effective way'' to have exercises, said Master Sergeant Eudith Rodney, a spokeswoman for US Forces in Japan.

Last May, Parliament passed a new set of security guidelines that allow Japanese forces to provide greater assistance to American troops in Asia and give the United States more access to airports and seaports.

Because of the new guidelines, the exercises for the first time will include training on Japanese logistical support and backup of US forces, said Tatsuhiko Fukui, a spokesman for the Japanese Self-Defence Forces.

Also new will be exercises on rescuing Japanese citizens abroad, Mr Fukui said.

The United States bases 47,000 troops in Japan under a bilateral security treaty.