Launch of Joint Operations Command

Japan Self-defense Force (JSDF) established Joint Operations Command (JJOC) to oversee three branches on March 24th. The purpose of new organization in JSDF was to enhance readiness in military contingency and major natural disaster. One question is, however, whether the JJOC contributes to efficiency of communication among a lot of organizations in the government of Japan. 

The Defense Buildup Program in 2022, made under the leadership of then Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, noted the necessity of “Permanent Joint Headquarters” in the JSDF. The purpose of the organization was described as “to build a system capable of seamlessly conducting cross-domain operations at all stages from peacetime to contingency, with the aim of strengthening the effectiveness of joint operations among each SDF services,”

 

The policy was succeeded by Shigeru Ishiba. Ishiba administration launched JJOC in the headquarters of JSDF in Ichigaya, Tokyo, with 240 personnel which will be increased to 280 within a year. General Ken-ichiro Nagumo of Air Self-defense Force assumed the Commander of the JJOC. JJOC is in charge of commanding operations for all the Self-defense Forces.

 

Reflecting the lessons from the World War II in which the Imperial Forces of Japan exercised arbitral power in decision makings, the government of Japan maintains strict civilian control on JSDF. In the actual operation of JSDF, it is required close consultation between civilians, including prime minister and defense secretary, and the forces. It is supposed that Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff will work for communicating between political leaders and JSDF, which may cause operational slowdown in contingency.

 

JJOC is expected to deal with operations, while the Joint Staff is working for supporting Prime Minister and Secretary of Defense. There has been no organization which oversees integrated operation of Self-defense Forces of Ground, Marine and Air. In the wake of natural disaster, such as a great earthquake with tsunami, JJOC will command immediate operation for rescuing sufferers and supporting evacuees.

 

To be ready for contingency in East Asia, the US Joe Biden administration planned to launch Joint Forces Command in Japan. JJOC was designed as the counterpart of the revised organization of US Forces in Japan. However, US news media reported that Donald Trump administration was considering significant cut of US military, which would include halting expansion of US Forces in Japan.

 

It is regarded as one of the main roles for JJOC must be exercising counterattack capability, or capability for attacking enemy’s base, which requires high interoperability with US forces. But there remains a fundamental doubt in Japan that Trump administration makes unpredictable decision even in security issues with its allies. Japan’s effort for enhancing its force does not necessarily be in harmony with US policy.

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