70 Years of the Self-Defense Forces: Toward a Prouder Institution

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.

Last in a 5-part series

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

What Constitutes Harassment

During an avian influenza culling operation in the winter of 2023, a young Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) enlisted member expressed concerns about the cruelty of killing chickens. "Killing chickens is cruel, and I can't do it. Isn't making someone do something unpleasant a form of harassment?" he complained. 

This soldier questioned whether forcing someone to perform such unpleasant tasks constitutes harassment. A JGSDF officer, upon hearing about these concerns, was surprised to learn that the soldier had been removed from his squad due to his objections. 

The young soldier was later reassigned to transport the culled carcasses. Reflecting on the incident, the officer remarked, "If personal feelings were permissible, then we wouldn't need to go to battlefields either. This goes against our service oath, which demands facing dangers without hesitation. The term 'harassment' is becoming a hindrance."

Concerns of Discipline or Harassment

What the incident underscores is a broader dilemma within the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) regarding the balance between eradicating harassment and maintaining discipline. Balancing these priorities is particularly crucial for a merit-based military organization when training new recruits.

Another JGSDF officer stationed at a different base recounted incidents during rifle shooting training. A new recruit complained about being yelled at to fire. Yet another claimed that being tapped on the head over a helmet for signaling was an act of power harassment.

In response, officers have begun preemptively clarifying that training may involve loud commands and physical contact. They are emphasizing the necessity of strict guidance to maintain discipline.

"A certain level of strict guidance is necessary," the JGSDF officer later lamented. "Without this process, we risk becoming a group without discipline."

Shift in Awareness Towards Sexual Harassment

In recent years, the SDF has seen a significant rise in the voices denouncing harassment. Consultations submitted to the Ministry of Defense (MOD) increased from 188 cases in 2016 to a peak of 2,311 cases in 2021.

Rina Gonoi is a 24-year-old former JGSDF member. She experienced multiple instances of being physically overpowered by male troops at her station in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture. In August 2022, she formally reported these incidents to the MOD, naming the male members involved. Following this, the ministry initiated a comprehensive investigation the following month.

Despite a tenfold increase in the number of female officers over the past 50 years, they still constitute only about 9% of the force. In comparison, women make up about 16% of the United States military. This disparity underlines the urgent need for a transformative shift in awareness toward sexual harassment as more women are recruited.

Enhancing Communication

However, 90% of the consultation cases involve power harassment. Unlike sexual harassment, which is assessed primarily from the victim's perspective, power harassment is judged objectively based on the circumstances. Lieutenant Colonel Tomoaki Shirayama reiterates the difficulty in navigating these issues. As he explains, "The gray area between strict instruction and clear power harassment is problematic."

To address this, improving the communication skills of superiors is essential. Currently, the JGSDF employs role-playing scenarios to discuss what constitutes harassment. It has also introduced self-diagnosis of personality tendencies and communication training to foster better interactions.

As of July 2024, the JGSDF is also refreshing its approach by updating its posters. These posters now urge superiors to avoid solely negative and intimidating instruction methods. By focusing on anti-harassment, the campaign seeks to increase organizational efficiency. Shirayama states that "Harassment should not occur if there is a trusting relationship and a shared sense of purpose."

Creating Pride in SDF Work

Since its inception 70 years ago, the SDF has consistently faced recruitment challenges. Currently, it lacks about 20,000 of its recruiting goals for personnel. Emphasizing the improvement of harassment prevention efforts is partly driven by the difficulty of recruiting amid declining births.

As the global security environment becomes more intense, it might be time to reassess how the nation values those who risk their lives to protect Japan.

Making a Commitment to the SDF

For instance, the US Department of Defense operates the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). An SDF officer who visited the DPAA shared their thoughts. "The assurance that the military will search for you until the end enables them to risk their lives in battle," the officer commented. 

US military personnel enjoy discounts at movie theaters, museums, and restaurants. Moreover, they face no medical costs even after retirement. However, when SDF personnel retire, they must join the national health insurance scheme. Furthermore, their pensions are comparable to those of regular civil servants. An SDF officer commented:

"It's hard to claim that our society provides an environment where Self-Defense personnel can work with pride. This is especially true since the SDF is not regarded as a military."

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Read the article in Japanese.

Author: Toyohiro Ichioka, The Sankei Shimbun