Japan-U.S. military integration intensified in 2002

Japan-U.S. military exercises in 2002 showed that bilateral military integration or de facto "merger" of forces has been stepped up in order to implement the 1997 Japan-U.S. Guidelines for Defense Cooperation allowing Japan to take part in U.S. military interventions in the Asia/Pacific region.

Akahata of January 4 reported.

In relation to the commanding system of the two forces, joint operational exercises were performed in February by the Japan-U.S. Bilateral Coordination Center (see separate item). Also, joint combined exercises involving the three forces were carried out in November. The ground, sea, and air forces from both sides jointly engaged in new types of missions.

The joint combined exercises took place during November 11-22, assuming an outbreak of a "situation in areas surrounding Japan." They conducted search-and-rescue operations to rescue U.S. personnel missing in action, transported Japanese from areas of conflict, and performed ship inspections for economic sanctions, using about 11,000 personnel, 20 vessels, and 180 aircraft from the JSDF, and about 10,500 personnel, 10 vessels and 150 aircraft from U.S. forces.

In joint air exercises as part of the exercises, a Japan-U.S. air operation coordination center was established to play a role as a "merged" command at the JGSDF Tsuiki Air base in Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu.

In exercises with the U.S. Navy, Japan's Maritime SDF ships were "assigned to escort the U.S. aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk, just as other vessels of the carrier's battle group do," according to the Kitty Hawk's captain. He alleged that testing transmission and bilateral operational capability are the aims of the exercises.

The Ground SDF, for the first time, took part in the urban anti-guerrilla exercises in Hawaii jointly carried out with the U.S. Army (September 23-October 4).

The Maritime SDF hosted for the first time submarine rescue operations in the Western Pacific, together with the naval forces of the U.S., Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. The JMSDF also conducted a special guard training together with the U.S. Navy at Yokosuka naval base in Kanagawa Prefecture. (end)