Both U.S. and Japanese officials confirmed that they are about to partake in unprecedented military maneuvers. This Tuesday soldiers from both countries will converge on California to take part in shared military training exercises.

The "Dawn Blitz" drills will be held on San Clemente island off the coast of California. The drills will be held for two weeks, starting Jun. 10 and ending Jun. 28.

"If the 20th century taught us anything, it is that when democracies are able and willing to defend themselves it preserves peace and stability," said Col. Grant Newsham, Marine liaison to the Japanese military. "Most Asian countries welcome -- even if quietly stated -- a more capable (Japanese force) that is also closely allied to U.S. forces."

Officials from both sides hope that the exercises will help lead to more cohesiveness between the two military forces, whose nations have long been economic allies. It is expected that roughly 250 soldiers from Japan's West Army will take part in the drills, which are near the U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Pendleton.

"Originally, the exercise was to be conducted by US forces and this will be the first time our units take part. The exercise is aimed at enhancing joint operations with US forces and improving collaboration within the three arms of Japan's self-defense forces," a Japanese ministry official explained.

It is believed that the move should be beneficial to both sides. The Japanese military faces a likely imminent threat from Kim Jong-Un's government in North Korea and has already been the target of several minor provocations. With the U.S. military already spread thin from the wars in the Middle East, having a highly-trained Japanese military that can coordinate with the U.S. effectively is of paramount importance.

"We cannot ask young American Marines to fight and die doing a job that Japanese forces cannot, or will not, do," said Kerry Gershaneck of the Pacific Forum-Center for Strategic & International Studies. "The U.S. Marines will help, but they must have a capable partner."

This is the first time that members from both militaries will work together in shared training drills. China has already asked that Japan not partake in the exercises, but Japanese forces appears poised to continue with their plans to forge a closer military allegiance to the U.S.