Japanese SDF and U.S. forces hold large scale joint exercises

In October and November, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. forces have been holding large scale joint exercises. They are apparently for war actions under the new Japan-U.S. Guidelines for Defense Cooperation and the war contingency laws, both designed to mobilize Japan for U.S. wars. Akahata on November 17 reported:

Ground SDF and U.S. Marine Corps

At the Ground Self-Defense Force Aibano training ground in Shiga Prefecture, live-fire exercises were held from October 27 to November 9 with the 800-strong GSDF 36th infantry regiment and the 850-strong U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Division 4th Regiment from U.S. Camp Schwab in Okinawa.

After the exercises, the Marines boarded ships at Yokkaichi Port in Mie Prefecture. This is the first time the U.S. forces used this civil port. Citizens who protested against the joint exercises warned that the aim of the latest exercises is to allow the port to be used for military purposes in an emergency.

Maritime SDF and U.S. Navy

The MSDF mobilized 25,000 members, more than half of its personnel, to a mass exercise with about 80 ships and 170 aircraft from November 7 to 16. This included joint exercises with the U.S. Navy.

Air SDF and U.S. Air Force

The Air SDF held exercises from November 6 to 17 for actions to deal with "situations in areas surrounding Japan" in Asia. It is participating in joint exercises with the U.S. Air Force at the U.S. Andersen Air Force Base in Guam from November 2-26. (end)