70 Years of the Self-Defense Forces: Joint Operations and New Fields Bring Change

July 1 marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF). This series explores the current status and challenges the SDF faces in an increasingly complex security environment.

To read the first part: 70 Years of the Self-Defense Forces: Present Challenges

Second part: 70 Years of the Self-Defense Forces: The Amphibious Brigade's Pledge

Third part: 70 Years of the Self-Defense Forces: Evolving 'Spear and Shield'

Fourth in a 5-part series

"Dot, dot, dash, dot. Smoothly move the lever." This is how a training session unfolded on June 26, atop the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) 1st Service School in Etajima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. JMSDF cadets were engrossed in practicing Morse code signaling techniques. Meanwhile, they carefully alternated lights between long and short durations. 

Amidst the youthful cadets in blue camouflage, the presence of older Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) members in green camouflage stood out. They, too, received guidance from an instructor.

For the past five years, the JGSDF has proactively sent its personnel to JMSDF educational facilities in anticipation of establishing a new maritime transport unit this fiscal year 2024. The objective is critical. They must mobilize troops as well as other materials from Hokkaido and Honshu to the Nansei Islands during potential crises, such as a Taiwan contingency.

One of the participants was First Sergeant Kazuyoshi Okada, who has over three decades of service in the JGSDF. Seeking new challenges, he therefore expressed his desire to undertake the unfamiliar role of a seaman. Initially, the maritime tradition of responding to a 6 AM bugle call with a sprint to the square and loud commands left him bewildered. "However, I gradually started to feel that I couldn't let the younger ones outdo me," he recalled.

Each Branch Has Its Way

Despite being established 70 years ago, the JSDF has been slow to strengthen integrated operations among the land, sea, and air forces. Significant enhancements were finally made to the Joint Staff Council's authority and personnel in 2006. That paved the way for the creation of a Joint Staff Office. Called the Integrated Operations Command, it is expected to centralize command and control of the forces. Currently, plans call for it to be implemented near the end of FY2025.  

A notable challenge in integrating operations has been enhancing maritime transport capabilities. The JGSDF Doesn't have its own vessels so it hoped to utilize the transport capabilities of the JMSDF. 

Its initial intention was to transport troops and supplies, including stockpiled ammunition from Hokkaido to the distant Nansei Islands over 2,000 kilometers away. However, cooperation was initially limited to just two civilian ships. Initially, the JMSDF hesitated to divert resources and personnel from critical tasks like sea lane defense and anti-submarine warfare. Reconciling these priorities presented a challenge.

A Transport Unit for the JGSDF

A potential solution emerged with the formation of a JGSDF-centered transport unit. Although the former Imperial Army had maritime transport units, the JGSDF lacked this expertise. As a result, there was no choice but to learn from the JMSDF. Members of the JGSDF, clad in green camouflage, nevertheless trained at a JMSDF educational institution that has inherited the traditions of the former Imperial Japanese Naval Academy.

However, JGSDF personnel training did not undergo the year-long immersive experience typical for JMSDF officer candidates. JMSDF officer candidate training includes sharing all aspects of daily life, such as "eating from the same pot." A JMSDF officer questioned whether such abbreviated training could adequately instill the "seamanship" required for cohesive team maneuvering.

The distinctions between the land and sea forces extend from the sound of bugle calls to the methods of reading numbers. Personnel from different branches, shaped by their unique environments, inevitably become aware of these differences. Reflecting on this, a JGSDF member involved in the transport unit candidly remarked, "If we have our own ships, there should be a way to operate them on ground force's terms."

Exploring New Frontiers: The Space Domain

JGSDF is making strides in maritime territories. Meanwhile, its aerial counterpart, soon to be renamed the Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force, is venturing into the frontier of space.

Situated in Fuchu City, Tokyo, the JASDF's Fuchu Base hosts the Space Operations Group. After three years of preparation, this group initiated its space domain awareness operations in March 2023. Their mission is to monitor approximately 29,000 objects orbiting Earth, including space debris. They also assess the functions and intentions of satellites launched by various nations.

Pilots, who excel in aerodynamics to maneuver aircraft through air resistance, also find themselves challenged in this field. Orbital mechanics, which governs motion in the vacuum of space, is quite different. Group Commander Lt Colonel Kimitoshi Sugiyama expresses pride in their achievements: "We are learning and performing our duties simultaneously. The swift progress we have made is a testament to Japan's latent capabilities."

Colonel Sugiyama is also actively seeking enhanced collaboration with entities such as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Moreover, since October 2023, the JASDF has set up a new hub in Toranomon, Tokyo. That location aims at fostering communication with the private sector.

In the past, there was noticeable reluctance among academic and research institutions to collaborate with military agencies. However, attitudes are changing. A JASDF officer revealed that opinions among professors are also divided, with roughly half open to cooperation and the other half resistant. 

He further emphasized the need for a broad mindset. "Progress in space requires an open mind. The Self-Defense Forces cannot afford to be insular anymore."

Next in Part 5: 70 Years of the Self-Defense Forces: Toward a Prouder Institution

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Toyohiro Ichioka