Cope North Guam - Japan-U.S.-Australia Joint Exercise in Guam -

Courtesy Call on Defense Minister Nakatani by ADM Harris, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command

Escort Flotilla Exercise in the United States - GUAMEX -

Forest Light - Japan-U.S. Bilateral Training Exercise -

Disaster Relief Dispatch to Provide Water Supply Assistance following Heavy Snowfall

Establishment of the New 9th Air Wing

- Cobra Gold 16 - Multilateral Training Exercise

TOPICS

SPECIAL FEATURE

United Nations Staff Officers’ Course (UNSOC) Held at the Japan Peacekeeping Training & Research Center

The MOD Symposium - “Why?” “Now?” The Legislation for Peace and Security -

Responses by the MOD and the SDF against the Missile Launch by North Korea

Japanese Curry

Mar. 2016No.74

www.mod.go.jp/e/jdf/Establishment of the New 9th Air WingCover Photograph :

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MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces

- Cobra Gold 16 - Multilateral Training Exercise

The SDF took part in the Cobra Gold 16, the multilateral joint training exercise that took place in Thailand from February 8th to 19th. Approx. 300 personnel from the SDF, including the GSDF, MSDF, ASDF, and the Joint Staff Office, participated.

Nine countries, Japan, the U.S., Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, China, and India, joined in this year’s Cobra Gold. Of the various training exercises that took place, the SDF participated in the command post exercise (CPX) related to counter-piracy, humanitarian/civilian assistance activities pertaining to medical and construction, and the training of Transportation of Japanese Nationals Overseas (TJNO) to improve necessary capabilities for executing tasks as well as promote understanding and reinforce trusting relationships between the countries involved.

The SDF took part in the Cobra Gold 16, the multilateral joint training exercise that took place in Thailand from February 8th to 19th. Approx. 300 personnel from the SDF, including the GSDF, MSDF, ASDF, and the Joint Staff Office, participated.

Nine countries, Japan, the U.S., Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, China, and India, joined in this year’s Cobra Gold. Of the various training exercises that took place, the SDF participated in the command post exercise (CPX) related to counter-piracy, humanitarian/civilian assistance activities pertaining to medical and construction, and the training of Transportation of Japanese Nationals Overseas (TJNO) to improve necessary capabilities for executing tasks as well as promote understanding and reinforce trusting relationships between the countries involved.

On January 31st, the 9th Air Wing was newly established at the Naha Air Base in order to enhance the defense posture in the southwestern region amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan. The 304th Fighter Squadron was transferred to the Naha Air Base from the 8th Air Wing (Tsuiki Air Base). Along with this, the 83rd Air Wing (Naha Air Base) was abolished. Accordingly, the “the 9th Air Wing” was newly established, and it was the first time in approximately 50 years since the establishment of the 8th Air Wing in 1964. The Naha Air Base now hosts two F-15 fighter squadrons. On the same day, the commemoration ceremony for the establishment of the 9th Air Wing was held at the Naha Air Base. State Minister of Defense Kenji Wakamiya attended. The 304th Fighter Squadron, the 204th Fighter Squadron, and the Southwestern Air Support Unit flew over for commemoration. In addition, the commemorative flyover by the Blue Impulse added grace to the ceremony.

On January 31st, the 9th Air Wing was newly established at the Naha Air Base in order to enhance the defense posture in the southwestern region amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan. The 304th Fighter Squadron was transferred to the Naha Air Base from the 8th Air Wing (Tsuiki Air Base). Along with this, the 83rd Air Wing (Naha Air Base) was abolished. Accordingly, the “the 9th Air Wing” was newly established, and it was the first time in approximately 50 years since the establishment of the 8th Air Wing in 1964. The Naha Air Base now hosts two F-15 fighter squadrons. On the same day, the commemoration ceremony for the establishment of the 9th Air Wing was held at the Naha Air Base. State Minister of Defense Kenji Wakamiya attended. The 304th Fighter Squadron, the 204th Fighter Squadron, and the Southwestern Air Support Unit flew over for commemoration. In addition, the commemorative flyover by the Blue Impulse added grace to the ceremony.

In the CPX part, the JDF practiced operation procedures for counter-piracy operations and coordination procedures with the multinational force headquarters. During the training of TJNO, the force confirmed a series of procedures such as taking over Japanese nationals from the embassy, transporting them by land, loading them on aircraft, and evacuating them. In addition, the humanitarian/civilian assistance activity related to medical took place including the tabletop exercises based on the scenario of HA/DR for public health. During humanitarian/civilian assistance activity related to construction, it performed procedures of building facilities in case of international peace cooperation activities.

Since taking part in Cobra Gold’s CPX for the first time in 2005, the SDF has expanded its scope of participating exercise, such as humanitarian/civilian assistance activity and transport training of overseas Japanese nationals. This year marked the 12th time participation from the SDF.

In the CPX part, the JDF practiced operation procedures for counter-piracy operations and coordination procedures with the multinational force headquarters. During the training of TJNO, the force confirmed a series of procedures such as taking over Japanese nationals from the embassy, transporting them by land, loading them on aircraft, and evacuating them. In addition, the humanitarian/civilian assistance activity related to medical took place including the tabletop exercises based on the scenario of HA/DR for public health. During humanitarian/civilian assistance activity related to construction, it performed procedures of building facilities in case of international peace cooperation activities.

Since taking part in Cobra Gold’s CPX for the first time in 2005, the SDF has expanded its scope of participating exercise, such as humanitarian/civilian assistance activity and transport training of overseas Japanese nationals. This year marked the 12th time participation from the SDF.

Establishment of the New 9th Air Wing

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The ASDF took part in Cope North Guam, the trilateral joint training as well as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) exercise together with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) from January 26th to March 8th at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

This exercise seeks to enhance tactical combat skills of the ASDF and the Japan-U.S. joint operations capabilities. It also provides opportunities for the ASDF to improve interoperabil-ity with the USAF and RAAF in HA/DR activities.

On February 17th, Defense Minister Nakatani received a courtesy call at MOD by Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., Commander, U.S. Pacific Command who visited Japan to attend the ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary for the establishment of the Joint Staff Office. During the courtesy call, Minister Nakatani expressed his wish to further improve the Japan-U.S. Alliance under the new Guidelines. ADM Harris responded that the Japan-U.S. Alliance has steadily grown stronger step by step over the past decades and that it has shown remarkably significant results, especially this year. They had a meaningful exchange of views to include nuclear test and missile launch by North Korea, and situations in the South China Sea.

For 30 days starting from January 9th, the MSDF conducted the 1st exercise to dispatch escort flotilla to Guam called GUAMEX 2016 in the sea area and the airspace. This exercise was carried out around Guam with the assistance of the U.S. Navy to improve the operational capabilities and tactical combat skills of the escort flotilla in the period of training in order to establish a rapid response posture. The MSDF dispatched approx. 1,500 personnel as well as destroyers Inazuma, Samidare, and Ise to take part in the exercise as the dispatched vessel unit. In addition, the air unit was dispatched including approx. 20 personnel and one UP-3D aircraft.

The GSDF carried out the field training exercise called Forest Light with the U.S. Marine Corps from January 26th to Febru-ary 6th at the Yausubetsu Training Area, the Shikaribetsu Training Area, and the Camp Obihiro located in Hokkaido.

The exercise aims to improve interoperability between the GSDF and the U.S. Marine Corps by practicing procedures which would be necessary when the two forces jointly conduct operations, following each other’s chain of command.

Approx. 400 personnel from the GSDF’s 27th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, and approx. 300 personnel from the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment participated in the exercise. The Forest Light has been held in Japan since 1981, with this time marking the 57th exercise.

This trilateral exercise involved 470 personnel and aircraft such as F-15J/DJ, F-2A, U-125A, E-2C, C-130H and KC-767 from the ASDF Air Defense Command and ASDF Air Support Command. For the HA/DR part, ASDF 70 personnel and C-130H participated in the training involving airlift, airdrop of supplies, take-off and landings on uneven surfaces, searching operations, aeromedical evacuations, and the Table Top Exercise.

The ASDF have taken part in the Cope North Guam since 1999, with this year marking the 16th time. The RAAF started participating in the exercise since 2011, marking this the fifth time for the Japan-U.S.-Australia trilateral training of its kind was held.

Escort Flotilla Exercise in the United States - GUAMEX -

Forest Light - Japan-U.S. Bilateral Training Exercise -

Cope North Guam - Japan-U.S.-Australia Joint Exercise in Guam -

Courtesy Call on Defense Minister Nakatani by ADM Harris, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command

5MarchNo.74Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.March

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Meeting with Foreign Leaders

ActivitiesActivities

Defense Policy Satoshi Maeda delivered a keynote speech. Special Advisor to the Minister of Defense Satoshi Morimoto (Professor at Takushoku University, former Defense Minister) moderated the panel discussion, and the MOD invited panel-ists: Hiroyuki Akita, editorialist of the Nikkei Newspaper; Ryoichi Oriki, former Chief of Joint Staff (former Special Advisor to the Minister of Defense); Nobushige Takamizawa, Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary; Yuichi Hosoya, Professor of the Faculty of Law at Keio University.

Defense Policy Satoshi Maeda delivered a keynote speech. Special Advisor to the Minister of Defense Satoshi Morimoto (Professor at Takushoku University, former Defense Minister) moderated the panel discussion, and the MOD invited panel-ists: Hiroyuki Akita, editorialist of the Nikkei Newspaper; Ryoichi Oriki, former Chief of Joint Staff (former Special Advisor to the Minister of Defense); Nobushige Takamizawa, Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary; Yuichi Hosoya, Professor of the Faculty of Law at Keio University.

On February 29th, the MOD Symposium in FY2015 was held in Tokyo. The MOD holds the symposium aiming at attracting the people’s interests and promoting their understanding regarding the MOD’s important policies by increasing and enhancing opportunities of direct dialogue with the people. This year, the theme was “Why? Now? the Legislation for Peace and Security - Development of Seamless Legislation for Peace and Security of Japan and the International Commu-nity -,” and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani delivered a welcoming speech. Also, Director General of Bureau of

On February 29th, the MOD Symposium in FY2015 was held in Tokyo. The MOD holds the symposium aiming at attracting the people’s interests and promoting their understanding regarding the MOD’s important policies by increasing and enhancing opportunities of direct dialogue with the people. This year, the theme was “Why? Now? the Legislation for Peace and Security - Development of Seamless Legislation for Peace and Security of Japan and the International Commu-nity -,” and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani delivered a welcoming speech. Also, Director General of Bureau of

Since the nuclear test conducted by North Korea on January 6th, the MOD had made responses to ensure the safety and security of Japanese citizens in cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies as well as the United States and other countries in order to respond to any situations, as the MOD recognized the possibility cannot be denied that North Korea would conduct any provocations including the launch of its ballistic missiles. On February 2nd, North Korea notified its plans to launch a ballistic missile purported to be a “satellite.” The MOD accordingly issued “Order concerning the implementation of destruction measures against ballistic missiles,” and made thorough preparation so that Aegis-equipped destroyers, PAC-3 units, units for handling damages, and other units would take necessary measures for the case of any missiles falling within Japanese territory. North Korea launched the ballistic missile, which it called a “satellite,” at approx. 9:31 a.m. on February 7th. It passed over Okinawa region heading towards the Pacific Ocean. The SDF did not implement destruction measures against the ballistic missiles as stipulated under Article 82-3, Paragraph 3 of the Self-Defense Forces Law. Also, there was no damage within Japanese territory. However, the launch represents a serious provocation to security that undermines the peace and stability of the region and the international community including Japan. Further-more, it is a violation of United Nations Security Council

Since the nuclear test conducted by North Korea on January 6th, the MOD had made responses to ensure the safety and security of Japanese citizens in cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies as well as the United States and other countries in order to respond to any situations, as the MOD recognized the possibility cannot be denied that North Korea would conduct any provocations including the launch of its ballistic missiles. On February 2nd, North Korea notified its plans to launch a ballistic missile purported to be a “satellite.” The MOD accordingly issued “Order concerning the implementation of destruction measures against ballistic missiles,” and made thorough preparation so that Aegis-equipped destroyers, PAC-3 units, units for handling damages, and other units would take necessary measures for the case of any missiles falling within Japanese territory. North Korea launched the ballistic missile, which it called a “satellite,” at approx. 9:31 a.m. on February 7th. It passed over Okinawa region heading towards the Pacific Ocean. The SDF did not implement destruction measures against the ballistic missiles as stipulated under Article 82-3, Paragraph 3 of the Self-Defense Forces Law. Also, there was no damage within Japanese territory. However, the launch represents a serious provocation to security that undermines the peace and stability of the region and the international community including Japan. Further-more, it is a violation of United Nations Security Council

Responses by the MOD and the SDF against the Missile Launch by North Korea

The MOD Symposium - “Why?” “Now?” The Legislation for Peace and Security -

Resolutions. Japan lodges its serious protest and strongly condemns North Korea. Although the “Order concerning the implementation of destruction measures against ballistic missiles was terminated on February 8th, the MOD has been working closely with relevant ministries and agencies as well as the United States and other countries in continuing to collect and analyze the necessary information, and carrying out surveillance activity. Including these measures, the MOD and the SDF will make all possible efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Japanese people.

Resolutions. Japan lodges its serious protest and strongly condemns North Korea. Although the “Order concerning the implementation of destruction measures against ballistic missiles was terminated on February 8th, the MOD has been working closely with relevant ministries and agencies as well as the United States and other countries in continuing to collect and analyze the necessary information, and carrying out surveillance activity. Including these measures, the MOD and the SDF will make all possible efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Japanese people.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) of the Joint Staff College held the United Nations Staff Officers’ Course (UNSOC) from February 8th to 24th, 2016. The UNSOC, which marks the fourth time, focuses on the knowledge and skills needed of mid-level staff officers engaged in peacekeeping operations and the curriculum approved by the United Nations. For this UNSOC, a total of ten personnel from the SDF and MOD, one official of the Cabinet Office, and three military personnel from Australia and Malaysia participated. Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani also observed the course. Each of the 14 participants possesses own operational procedures of different organization as well as unique experiences and values based on each country’s culture and traditions. Through UNSOC, participants were able to mutually share and understand their experiences and values as well as learned about the fundamentals of United Nations missions and the knowledge and skills for future staff officers at headquarters that can be immediately applied to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Participant Lieutenant Colonel Wisham bin Abdul Hadi of the Malaysian Army stated that he was able to master the curricula of this UNSOC thanks to the friendly and diligent commitment of the instructors and staff as well as the convenient and prime location of Tokyo. Deputy Director Aiko Fujita participating from Secretariat of the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters, Cabinet Office said all of the curricula and exercises of UNSOC, combined with her own experiences at UNMISS, proved to be extremely useful to foster understanding and support for personnel engaging in peacekeeping activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) of the Joint Staff College held the United Nations Staff Officers’ Course (UNSOC) from February 8th to 24th, 2016. The UNSOC, which marks the fourth time, focuses on the knowledge and skills needed of mid-level staff officers engaged in peacekeeping operations and the curriculum approved by the United Nations. For this UNSOC, a total of ten personnel from the SDF and MOD, one official of the Cabinet Office, and three military personnel from Australia and Malaysia participated. Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani also observed the course. Each of the 14 participants possesses own operational procedures of different organization as well as unique experiences and values based on each country’s culture and traditions. Through UNSOC, participants were able to mutually share and understand their experiences and values as well as learned about the fundamentals of United Nations missions and the knowledge and skills for future staff officers at headquarters that can be immediately applied to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Participant Lieutenant Colonel Wisham bin Abdul Hadi of the Malaysian Army stated that he was able to master the curricula of this UNSOC thanks to the friendly and diligent commitment of the instructors and staff as well as the convenient and prime location of Tokyo. Deputy Director Aiko Fujita participating from Secretariat of the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters, Cabinet Office said all of the curricula and exercises of UNSOC, combined with her own experiences at UNMISS, proved to be extremely useful to foster understanding and support for personnel engaging in peacekeeping activities.

From January 25th to February 1st, the MOD and SDF dispatched personnel for disaster relief activities at the request of eight prefectural governors (Shimane, Hiro-shima, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Miyazaki and Kagoshima) in order to provide water supply assistance to communities where an interruption in water service occurred or water supply capacity declined due to frozen or burst pipes as a result of the record-breaking cold spell accompanied by heavy snow that began on January 23rd. The GSDF and ASDF together dispatched a total of approx. 1,860 personnel as well as approx. 340 one-ton water tank trailers to carry out water supply assistance totaling approx. 1,280 tons during the dispatch period.

From January 25th to February 1st, the MOD and SDF dispatched personnel for disaster relief activities at the request of eight prefectural governors (Shimane, Hiro-shima, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Miyazaki and Kagoshima) in order to provide water supply assistance to communities where an interruption in water service occurred or water supply capacity declined due to frozen or burst pipes as a result of the record-breaking cold spell accompanied by heavy snow that began on January 23rd. The GSDF and ASDF together dispatched a total of approx. 1,860 personnel as well as approx. 340 one-ton water tank trailers to carry out water supply assistance totaling approx. 1,280 tons during the dispatch period.

As peacekeeping operation missions currently become more integrated and complex, there is growing demand for improving coordination between various actors on the ground, such as military personnel, police officers and civilians, through training courses during the pre-departure stage where those actors can jointly train and conduct exercises. Therefore, JPC continues to make efforts, for example accepting foreign military personnel and staff of related ministries to PKOCCC* and UNSOC, in order to train personnel both in Japan and foreign countries to play an active role in operations for international peace and security, including in United Nations peacekeeping operations that become more integrated.* PKO Contingent Commanders’ Course

As peacekeeping operation missions currently become more integrated and complex, there is growing demand for improving coordination between various actors on the ground, such as military personnel, police officers and civilians, through training courses during the pre-departure stage where those actors can jointly train and conduct exercises. Therefore, JPC continues to make efforts, for example accepting foreign military personnel and staff of related ministries to PKOCCC* and UNSOC, in order to train personnel both in Japan and foreign countries to play an active role in operations for international peace and security, including in United Nations peacekeeping operations that become more integrated.* PKO Contingent Commanders’ Course

Disaster Relief Dispatch to Provide Water Supply Assistance following Heavy Snowfall

United Nations Staff Officers’ Course (UNSOC) Held at the Japan Peacekeeping Training & Research Center

7MarchNo.74Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.6 March

No.74

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February 2016: " We Are Tomodachi Spring 2016" Released

oday in Japan you can eat foods from around the world. While Japanese noodles and breads have become quite famous to cite but a few, there are also many foods that have been imported to Japan from abroad that have evolved and developed into

a unique food in Japan. Japanese Curry is perhaps the most famous of these foods. Curry was originally from India and in the second half of 1800 it came to Japan for the first time by way of the British Empire. The recipe for curry was first introduced in Guide to Western Cuisine and The Expert on Western Cookery published in 1872. Later, Japanese Curry would become a dish to accompany the staple food of cooked rice served by countless restaurants and prepared often by just about every family in Japan. Japanese curry has a unique creamy consistency, instead

oday in Japan you can eat foods from around the world. While Japanese noodles and breads have become quite famous to cite but a few, there are also many foods that have been imported to Japan from abroad that have evolved and developed into

a unique food in Japan. Japanese Curry is perhaps the most famous of these foods. Curry was originally from India and in the second half of 1800 it came to Japan for the first time by way of the British Empire. The recipe for curry was first introduced in Guide to Western Cuisine and The Expert on Western Cookery published in 1872. Later, Japanese Curry would become a dish to accompany the staple food of cooked rice served by countless restaurants and prepared often by just about every family in Japan. Japanese curry has a unique creamy consistency, instead

T

Japanese Curry

The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minster for Foreign Affairs of Australia visited the MOD and had a meeting with Defense Minister Nakatani (Feb. 16)

Courtesy call on Defense Minister Nakatani by Air Mshl Greg J. Bagwell, Deputy Commander Operations at Air Command, Royal Air Force (Feb. 12)

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of soupy consistency, because of the use of flour. It is also very easy to prepare and provides a well-balanced meal of meat and vegetables. At the start of the Meiji period beriberi was the leading cause of death among navy and army personnel. A navy doctor ushered in military food reform and introduced a stew flavored with curry eaten by the Royal British Navy as a new food item. Today, Japanese Curry is one of the most popular menu items among MSDF personnel. The recipe and seasoning of this curry actually differs among each vessel and department. Some use milk, eggs, or fruit to improve the nutritional balance, resulting in enduring popularity. Curry festivals and other events showcasing the different MSDF official curry are also held throughout Japan, and people actually taste the curry.

of soupy consistency, because of the use of flour. It is also very easy to prepare and provides a well-balanced meal of meat and vegetables. At the start of the Meiji period beriberi was the leading cause of death among navy and army personnel. A navy doctor ushered in military food reform and introduced a stew flavored with curry eaten by the Royal British Navy as a new food item. Today, Japanese Curry is one of the most popular menu items among MSDF personnel. The recipe and seasoning of this curry actually differs among each vessel and department. Some use milk, eggs, or fruit to improve the nutritional balance, resulting in enduring popularity. Curry festivals and other events showcasing the different MSDF official curry are also held throughout Japan, and people actually taste the curry.

8 MarchNo.74

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