1st Airborne Brigade s FIRST JUMP DRILL OF 2013

Transcription

1 37 No. FEB st Airborne Brigade s FIRST JUMP DRILL OF 2013 Ministerial succession ceremony held for Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense and Parliamentary Vice-Ministers of Defense Chief of Staff, GSDF hosted Japan U.S. Senior Level Seminar International Peace Cooperation Assignment Operations in the Golan Heights Transfer of the SDF materials and equipment in Haiti Dispatch of Instructor to the Cairo Regional Center for Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa Commencement of capacity-building projects in Cambodia Measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden Introduction to equipment NBC reconnaissance vehicle NIDS China Security Report

2 MEETING WITH FOREIGN LEADERS MEETING WITH FOREIGN LEADERS Ministerial succession ceremony held for Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense and Parliamentary Vice-Ministers of Defense ith the coming in of the second Abe administration, Itsunori Onodera, Member of the House of Representatives, was appointed as the 12th Minister of Defense on December 26, On the appointment of Mr. Onodera as the new Minister of Defense, Prime Minister Abe instructed him to: Review the National Defense Program Guidelines and Mid-Term Defense Program, and take steps to strengthen the SDF s structure in order to resolutely defend the lives and the property of the people, as well as the territory, territorial waters, and airspace of Japan. Consider review of the Guidelines for Japan U.S. Defense Cooperation in order to enhance deterrence capability and strengthen the role of the SDF with close connection to the new U.S. defense strategy; Take steps to maintain deterrence capability and to reduce the burden on Okinawa and other places where U.S. bases are stationed through the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan, including the relocation of the Futenma air base; Cooperate with the Minister in charge of enhancement of National Security toward the establishment of a Council on National Security, which would serve as the central command of diplomatic and security policies. On December 27, during his address at the inauguration ceremony at the auditorium of the Ministry of Defense, Ichigaya, Mr. Onodera touched on the security environment surrounding Japan, and spoke about putting effort into further strengthening our defense posture, especially in the Southwest region, improving our ability to respond to cyber attacks, and further enhancing our crisis management capacity. He also talked about working closely with the United States on ensuring the security of Japan, and at the same time, taking initiatives to secure the stability of the region as well as continuing SDF s international cooperation activities, which have been highly appraised by international community as well as Japanese people. He also stated his intention to stabilize the strategic environment surrounding Japan by engaging in defense cooperation and exchange with key partner nations in the region surrounding Japan and the world, and building trust in relation with our neighboring countries. Finally, Mr. Onodera sincerely hoped for each individual SDF member to possess strong ethical values, and to continue putting their utmost best into all missions, in order to fulfill the trust and expectations of Japanese people for the Ministry of Defense and the SDF. On the same day, a farewell ceremony was held for former Defense Minister Morimoto. He touched on the cases and issues that arose during his term as the Defense Minister, and said, I was succeeded by a very capable Minister. There is no cause for any worries. I ask with my sincere hope that you give the new Minister even greater support and will be even more devoted to the effort on ensuring the stability of the country and the safety of our people. The second Abe administration was launched on December 26, On December 27, Prime Minister Abe appointed member of the House of Representatives, Akinori Eto, as the Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense. Member of the House of Representatives, Akira Sato, and member of the House of Councillors, Masahisa Sato, were appointed as Parliamentary Vice-Ministers of Defense. A farewell ceremony was held for the outgoing ministers on December 27 former Parliamentary Senior ViceMinister of Defense Nagashima, as well as former Parliamentary Vice-Ministers of Defense Miyajima and Oono. On December 28, an appointment ceremony was held for Mr. Eto, Mr. Akira Sato and Mr. Masahisa Sato. Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense Akinori Eto Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Akira Sato Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Masahisa Sato Chief of Staff, GSDF hosted Japan U.S. Senior Level Seminar The 23rd Senior Level Seminar (SLS) was held on December 14 and 15 at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo. This seminar was hosted by the Chief of Staff, GSDF to discuss together with the top brass of U.S. Land Forces in the Pacific on the theme of the roles of the GSDF, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps following the U.S. announcement of the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. Approximately 60 members participated in the discussion, including General Kimizuka, GSDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Wiercinski, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific, and Lieutenant General Robling, Commanding General of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific. The U.S. Army delegates explained their future plan that they will be transformed from counter insurgency-type force into regionally aligned-type force. The U.S. Marine Corps delegates explained their concept of the deployment of approximately 22,000-strength force in the future. In addition, Japan and U.S. sides shared the recognition of the importance of strengthening Japan U.S. Republic of Korea and Japan U.S. Australia cooperation to improve the stability of Asia-Pacific region. From left, Lieutenant General Wiercinski, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific, General Kimizuka, GSDF Chief of Staff, and Lieutenant General Robling, Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific The new Minister of Defense Onodera and senior ministry officials 2 3

3 ACTIVITIES International Peace Cooperation Assignment Operations in the Golan Heights Since the first dispatch in February 1996, Japan has continued to dispatch a total of approximately 1,500 personnel throughout the past 17 years. Headquarters staff officers carried out planning and coordination work in the area of transportation and development, as well as publicity work for UNDOF activities. The transport unit engaged in the transportation of daily necessities such as food supplies necessary for the sustenance of UNDOF activities, and in logistic support operations such as repair of roads. The Golan Heights region is a central issue in peace negotiations between Israel and Syria. Through the engagement of the SDF, Japan has contributed to the peace and stability of the Golan Heights region for many years. As a result of the activities undertaken by the Japanese personnel, the capability and discipline of the SDF has been highly appraised by the U.N., Syria, and Israel, as well as the international community. United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) activities (Peacekeeping Operations in the Golan Heights) (As of 21 December 2012) Republic of Lebanon Composition of dispatch transport unit transport unit 44 personnel State of Israel Headquarters Transport team Camp Ziouani Headquarters, security team, transport team MEDITERRANEAN SEA However, the continuous deterioration of the Syrian situation has had a serious impact on the Golan Heights region, and posed difficulties for UNDOF activities. In view of its responsibility to ensure the safety of Japanese personnel under current UNDOF conditions and the situation in the Syria including Golan Heights, the Japanese Government has conducted a comprehensive review of activities that can be conducted under these conditions. As a result of the review, the Government arrived at the conclusion that it would be difficult to carry out meaningful activities while continuing to ensure the safety of Japanese personnel. Consequently, the Minister of Defense issued an order to conclude operations with effect from December 21. Thereafter, the Japanese personnel commenced withdrawal operations, and returned to Japan. On January 20, with Prime Minister Abe in attendance, a ceremony was held to return the flag of the Golan Heights dispatch transport unit, marking the end of the long history of international peace cooperation assignment in the Golan Heights. Transfer of the SDF materials and equipment in Haiti With the withdrawal of the SDF from the Haiti peacekeeping operations (United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)), Japanese personnel have since returned to Japan. However, with the aim of contributing to MINUSTAH operations and to the economic and social development of Haiti, the government of Japan has responded to requests from the government of the Republic of Haiti and the United Nations to transfer existing the SDF materials and equipment to them. This transfer was effected on December 18 (local time). The engineering equipment that was transferred to the 4 Detachment team (Camp Faouar) 32 personnel Security team Tel Aviv Haifa Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) Damascus Mount Hermon Syrian Arab Republic Camp Faouar HQ staff officers Detachment team 3 personnel 12 personnel *Including Headquarter personnel (one person responsible for cooking duties) Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Haitian government included items that are defined as arms under the Three Principles of Arms Exports, such as hydraulic excavators, bulldozers, and bucket loaders. This transfer was the first case that was subject to the comprehensive exemption measures based on the Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on Guidelines for Overseas Transfer of Defense Equipment, etc., issued on December 27, Container houses, generators, and lighting set at the SDF camp were also among the materials that were transferred to the United Nations (MINUSTAH). Dispatch of Instructor to the Cairo Regional Center for Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa From December 15 to 19, 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Takeshi Nakano was dispatched as an Instructor to the Cairo Regional Center for Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa, based in the Arab Republic of Egypt. This dispatch is part of efforts by the Ministry of Defense and the SDF to expand the scope of its international peacekeeping activities going forward. The program aims to provide support for Africa s work toward developing its own capabilities in maintaining peace, as well as to contribute to Commencement of capacity-building projects in Cambodia With the objectives of further stabilizing the security environment of the Asia Pacific region and improving the global security environment, the Ministry of Defense will utilize its knowledge and experience in active support of efforts in capability enhancement and human resource development for the military or organizations of the countries concerned, in the area of non-traditional security including humanitarian aid and disaster relief. To that end, it has commenced efforts in providing support for capacitybuilding in FY 2012, and projects have already started in East Timor in December On top of that, it has also commenced human resource development projects in Cambodia in the area of Engineering, such as the building of roads, which contributes to the enhancement of capability in peacekeeping operations (PKO). The target of this support project is the training center of the National Center for Peacekeeping Forces, Mines and ERW Clearance (NPMEC), a PKO center in Cambodia, and Measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden Aerial activities of Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden Record of Mission (October-December 2012) 1. Number of flights: 54 flights (Accumulated total: 815 flights) 2. Flight hours: Approximately 420 hours (Accumulated total: Approximately 6,300 hours) 3. Number of visually confirmed commercial ships: Approximately 4,750 ships (Accumulated total: 64,000 ships) 4. Number of times information was provided to Japanese destroyers, foreign warships, and/or commercial ships: Approximately 390 times (Accumulated total: Approximately 7,300 times) Escort operations performed by Japanese MSDF units in the same area Record of Mission (October-December 2012) 1. Number of escort operations: 24 times (The 396th the 419th escort operation)(the 355th 378th escort operation under Japan s Anti-Piracy Measures Law) peace and stability in Africa. Lessons learned from the dispatch can also contribute toward education in the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center, Joint Staff College. As such, this dispatch is perceived to be of great significance to Japan. Group photo before departure ACTIVITIES Lieutenant Colonel Nakano lecturing the period of the project is scheduled for January 24 to March 20. The number of dispatched personnel comprises four GSDF personnel, one internal bureau official, and six members of civilian organizations. The Ministry of Defense and the SDF will continue to engage actively in capacity-building. 2. Number of escorted vessels: 99 vessels (Accumulated total of 2,809 escorted vessels since the start of operations under Japan s Anti-Piracy Measures Law; hereinafter the same) [Breakdown] Japanese-registered ships: 0 (Accumulated total: 15) Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies: 10 (Accumulated total: 541) (Out of the 10 foreign ships, a Japanese citizen was on board 1 ships [Out of the 541 foreign ships, a Japanese citizen was on board 35 ships]) Foreign ships other than above: 89 (Accumulated total: 2,253) (Out of the 89 foreign ships, a Japanese citizen was on board 1 ship [Out of the 2,253 foreign ships, a Japanese citizen was on board 13 ships]) *The above record does not include the 1st 41st escort operation performed as Maritime Security Activities. 5

4 TOPICS O n January 13, the GSDF 1st Airborne Brigade commenced this year s jump training at Camp Narashino in Chiba Prefecture. The commencement of jump training is an annual event that is held at the beginning of the year, to wish for safe jump training throughout the year. In addition to attendees from the Ministry of Defense and SDF, including Defense Minister Onodera, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Masahisa Sato, Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense Kanazawa, Chief of Joint Staff Iwasaki, GSDF Chief of Staff Kimizuka, and Director General, Minister s Secretariat Kamata, approximately 11,000 spectators were present at the event. The 1st Airborne Brigade carried out training with aircraft such as P-3C patrol aircraft, C-1 transport aircraft, and CH-47 transport helicopters, as well as vehicles such as tanks and motorcycles. In line with the training theme, defense of offshore islands, the general flow of the training was as follows: after flights by P-3C patrol aircraft, the OH-6 observation helicopters conducted air reconnaissance activities, and motorcycles dismounted from CH-47 to conduct ground reconnaissance activities. Next, AH-64D attack helicopters and AH-1S attack helicopters carried out ground attacks, while 80 parachute unit members descended on parachutes from ASDF C-1 aircraft flying in mid-air. And then, support supplies were also dropped by the aircraft immediately after. The training concluded with the securing of enemy grounds by the parachute units, with backing from AH-1S, AH-64D, and UH-1 multipurpose helicopters. 6 TOPICS 1st Airborne Brigade s 7

5 COLUMN Introduction to equipment NBC reconnaissance vehicle Specifications Crew Gross weight Length 4 persons Approximately 20 tons Approximately 8.0 meters Width Height Maximum speed Arms Approximately 2.5 meters Approximately 3.0 meters Approximately 95km/h 12.7mm heavy machine gun Test production of the NBC reconnaissance vehicle has been commenced in FY 2005 by the Technical Research and Development Institute, as a successor to the GSDF s chemical defense and biological reconnaissance vehicles. The development has completed in FY 2009 through technical and field tests. The vehicle is mounted with NBC latest detection and identification equipment against NBC weapons, including radioactive substances, biological agents, and toxic chemicals. It conducts rapid reconnaissance (detection and identification) of contaminated area and connects with the Regiment Command Control System to transmit the information of the contamination instantly to the relevant units. NIDS China Security Report The National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) published the NIDS China Security Report 2012 on December 19, In recent years, the international community has shown growing interest and concern toward China s security policies and military trends. In Japan, there has also been increasing awareness on the significant impact that China s military and economic rise has on Japan s security. The scale of China s economy is already ranked second in the world, making it a vital partner for Japan and other countries in East Asia. On the other hand, China has leveraged on its massive economic prowess to increase its defense expenditure and modernize the People s Liberation Army. The NIDS China Security Report is an annual report that analyzes such strategic and military trends in China, and which disseminates this information widely within and outside Japan. In addition to the Japanese edition, the report is also published in English and Chinese, and is available online at the website of the NIDS. ( This report brings together research findings obtained through analyses by researchers of NIDS, which is a research and educational institute under the Ministry of Defense. The analyses and views expressed in the report are independent viewpoints of the researchers, and do not represent those of the Ministry of Defense. Visit the Japan Defense Focus website for photo and movie galleries that cannot be found in this pamphlet. Also, on the website you can download an original calender by filling out a short questionnaire. Please visit our website at : For inquiry, contact following office: Public Affairs Division, Ministry of Defense, Japan TEL: (switch board) Web: 8