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

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 in a 5-part series

Training the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade

At 1 PM on June 21, training began on the coast of Minamishimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, along the Ariake Sea. Its goal was to help members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade develop essential skills and qualities.

The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade specializes in amphibious operations to reclaim occupied islands. These operations involve sea landings and ground combat to suppress an enemy. Given the demanding nature of these missions, training for this elite unit is exceptionally rigorous.

Dressed in camouflage uniforms, bulletproof vests, and helmets, 119 soldiers carried about 20 kilograms of gear. They began assembling reconnaissance boats used for sea landings within a set time limit.

Sweat poured from their faces as they continuously pumped air into the boats. The instructor inspected each assembled boat and calmly said, "No, do it again." Even the slightest assembly mistake meant redoing the task two or three times.

In nearly 30-degree Celsius heat, groups of eight soldiers carried the 180-kilogram assembled boats to the shore. Once aboard, they rowed about one kilometer offshore and circled three buoys. As part of the training, they intentionally capsized the boats, righted them, and returned to shore. Finally, they carried the boats over a roughly one-kilometer stretch of uneven sandy beach. The training lasted about four hours.

Southwest Shift to Kyushu and Okinawa

In the 70-year history of the SDF, the history of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is relatively new. It was established in March 2018.

At the time, Japan was experiencing increasing pressure from China in the Senkaku Islands (Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture). This led to the realization that defending remote islands, and reclaiming them if necessary, required special capabilities. Conversely, it recognized that such capabilities had not been required for a long time.

When the SDF was established, Japan's greatest threat was the Soviet Union (now Russia). To counter potential Soviet naval landings in Japan's northern reaches, the SDF focused on deploying troops in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. This was due to the Soviets' free passage through the Soya Strait. 

Nevertheless, throughout the Cold War, the disparity in military strength between the Soviet forces and the SDF was evident. Japan's basic strategy was to repel "limited and small-scale invasions" by Soviet forces. Typically, these were expected to involve three to four divisions. In the event of a larger enemy attack, Japan would instead wait for United States reinforcements.

After the Cold War ended and Soviet Far East forces declined, China's military rise became more pronounced. In response, the SDF advanced the "Southwest Shift." This focused troop deployments in Kyushu and Okinawa. The creation of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a part of this Southwest Shift.

Preparing to Stand On the Front Line

"We must protect the Senkaku Islands on our own. This is non-negotiable." 

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe repeatedly stressed this to those involved from the planning stages of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. His insistence was based on the harsh reality that at some point, a US president might not be willing to sacrifice American lives to defend Japan's rocky, uninhabited islands.

Additionally, a crisis in the Senkaku Islands is unlikely to occur in isolation. It would likely be linked to a crisis in Taiwan. A senior Ministry of Defense official stated, "In such a scenario, it is uncertain how much the US military could allocate forces to the Senkakus. A strong sense of self-reliance is essential for defending the Senkakus." Against this backdrop, the responsibility of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is significant.

During the June training session, some members were seen collapsing from exhaustion. Furthermore, a few had to be carried away by instructors. "Stay mentally strong," the instructors urged. 

Training sessions that the SDF and the US military open to the press are often just for show. Among the participants, they are sometimes mockingly called "photo sessions." However, the June training was a serious contest.

Tatsuya Watanabe, a 33-year-old Sergeant from the Ground Self-Defense Force, is stationed at Camp Yonago in Tottori Prefecture. He is scheduled to be assigned to the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade soon. After completing the training, he spoke with a determined, sunburned face.

"I am prepared to serve on the front lines of national defense as a member of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade." 

Next in Part 3: 70 Years of the Self-Defense Forces: Evolving 'Spear and Shield' 

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Keita Ozawa