Organization and Activities of MINISTRY OF DEFENSE and SELF- DEFENSE FORCES The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), which must fulfill the mission to defend Japan, consist of various organizations, not only the armed forces such as the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces (GSDF, MSDF and ASDF), but also a number of other organizations including the Internal Bureau, the Joint Staff, the Ground, Maritime and Air Staff Office, the National Defense Academy, National Defense Medical College, National Institute for Defense Studies, Defense Intelligence Headquarters, Inspector General’ s Office of Legal Compliance, the Regional Defense Bureaus, and Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency. Organization of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces Activities of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces The new “National Defense Program Guidelines” (NDPG) were formulated in December 2013, and the pillars of the NDPG are as follows; Japan’ s own efforts, Strengthening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and Active promotion of security cooperation. Especially, “Japan’ s own efforts” is the foundation for the defense of Japan, and we will establish the “Dynamic Joint Defense Force” to carry out various activities seamlessly and flexibly based on joint operations of GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF in accordance with situations. The MOD/SDF will contribute proactively to ensure peace and security of the international community while pursuing peace and security of our own. National Defense Academy (NDA) The National Defense Academy (NDA) conducts educations and training for future GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF officers, while conducting researches necessary for NDA’s purpose. National Defense Medical College (NDMC) The National Defense Medical College (NDMC) is established to provide higher education and military training for the future SDF medical officers, nurse officers, and staff. The NDMC conducts necessary medical and nursing education-training and research for various SDF duties. National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) The National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) collects, keeps and releases military history archives while conducting policy oriented research on security issues and military history. The NIDS also educates high-ranking officials of the SDF. Defense Intelligence Headquarters (DIH) The Defense Intelligence Headquarters (DIH) is the central intelligence organization of the MOD which collects various information through diversified means, comprehensively analyzes and assesses it, and provides intelligence to related organizations within the ministry. Inspector General’ s Office of Legal Compliance (IGO) The Inspector General’ s Office of Legal Compliance (IGO) is an independent office in the MOD which implements inspections from the standpoint of and legal compliance, to ensure that the tasks of the MOD/SDF are properly carried out across the entire ministry. Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) is an extra-ministerial organization which is in charge of unified defense equipment administration from the equipment-related policies, such as strengthening Japan's defense production and technological bases and promotion of overseas transfer, research and development of advanced technology to adequate and efficient procurement etc. The Internal Bureau is responsible for basic articles relating to the duties of the MOD. The Internal Bureau supports the Minister of Defense so that the affairs under the MOD are appropriately executed in accordance with laws and regulations. Internal Bureau Joint Staff Ground Staff, Maritime Staff, Air Staff Office The Joint Staff is a staff organization for the Minister of Defense concerning SDF operation. The Chief of Joint Staff supports the Minister of Defense by providing military advice on SDF operations. The Ground Staff, Maritime Staff, Air Staff Offices are the staff organizations for the Minister of Defense concerning their respective services. The Chief of Staff for the GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF assist as the top-ranking expert advisors to the Minister of Defense regarding their services. The main mission for the GSDF is to protect its land territory as the last resort to preserve the sovereignty, territories and citizens of our country which has a long coastline, a large number of islands and is vulnerable to disasters. The main mission for MSDF is to protect the country by responding to seaborne aggressions and ensuring maritime safety around Japan in light of the geographical and economic characteristics of the resource-poor country surrounded by ocean. The main mission for ASDF is to react to foreign aircraft invasion into our territorial airspace and ballistic missile attacks on Japan’ s territorial region so as to secure the surrounding airspace of our country. Main Mission for GSDF Main Mission for MSDF Main Mission for ASDF OF DEFENSE and SELF-DEFENSE FORCES OF DEFENSE and SELF-DEFENSE FORCES Organization and Activities of MINISTRY Organization and Activities of MINISTRY Visit the cellular phone website with this QR code Published by Public Affairs Division, Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of Defense, Japan 5-1 Honmura-cho, Ichigaya, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 162-8801 03-3268-3111(switch board) http://www.mod.go.jp/e/index.html Printed in October, 2016 Regional Defense Bureau Regional Defense Bureaus are local branch offices of the MOD that are in charge of securing the understanding and cooperation of local governments and people; acquiring, managing, constructing defense facilities and implementing measures for their surrounding areas; auditing costs of equipment etc. Outline of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces Outline of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), which must fulfill the mission to defend Japan, consist of various organizations, not only the armed forces such as the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces (GSDF, MSDF and ASDF), but also a number of other organizations including the Internal Bureau, the Joint Staff, the Ground, Maritime and Air Staff Office, the National Defense Academy, National Defense Medical College, National Institute for Defense Studies, Defense Intelligence Headquarters, Inspector General’s Office of Legal Compliance, the Regional Defense Bureaus, and Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency.
Organization of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense ForcesActivities of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
The new “National Defense Program Guidelines” (NDPG) were formulated in December 2013, and the pillars of the NDPG are as follows; Japan’s own efforts, Strengthening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and Active promotion of security cooperation. Especially,
“Japan’s own efforts” is the foundation for the defense of Japan, and we will establish the “Dynamic Joint Defense Force” to carry out various activities seamlessly and flexibly based on joint operations of GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF in accordance with situations. The MOD/SDF will contribute proactively to ensure peace and security of the international community while pursuing peace and security of our own.
National Defense Academy (NDA)The National Defense Academy (NDA) conducts educations and training for future GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF officers, while conducting researches necessary for NDA’s purpose.
National Defense Medical College (NDMC)The National Defense Medical College (NDMC) is established to provide higher education and military training for the future SDF medical officers, nurse officers, and staff. The NDMC conducts necessary medical and nursing education-training and research for various SDF duties.
National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS)The National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) collects, keeps and releases military history archives while conducting policy oriented research on security issues and military history. The NIDS also educates high-ranking officials of the SDF.
Defense Intelligence Headquarters (DIH)The Defense Intelligence Headquarters (DIH) is the central intelligence organization of the MOD which collects various information through diversified means, comprehensively analyzes and assesses it, and provides intelligence to related organizations within the ministry.
Inspector General’s Office of Legal Compliance (IGO)The Inspector General’s Office of Legal Compliance (IGO) is an independent office in the MOD which implements inspections from the standpoint of and legal compliance, to ensure that the tasks of the MOD/SDF are properly carried out across the entire ministry.
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA)The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) is an extra-ministerial organization which is in charge of unified defense equipment administration from the equipment-related policies, such as strengthening Japan's defense production and technological bases and promotion of overseas transfer, research and development of advanced technology to adequate and efficient procurement etc.
The Internal Bureau is responsible for basic articles relating to the duties of the MOD. The Internal Bureau supports the Minister of Defense so that the affairs under the MOD are appropriately executed in accordance with laws and regulations.
Internal BureauJoint Staff
Ground Staff, Maritime Staff, Air Staff Office
The Joint Staff is a staff organization for the Minister of Defense concerning SDF operation. The Chief of Joint Staff supports the Minister of Defense by providing military advice on SDF operations.
The Ground Staff, Maritime Staff, Air Staff Offices are the staff organizations for the Minister of Defense concerning their respective services. The Chief of Staff for the GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF assist as the top-ranking expert advisors to the Minister of Defense regarding their services.
The main mission for the GSDF is to protect its land territory as the last resort to preserve the sovereignty, territories and ci t izens of our country which has a long coastline, a large number of islands and is vulnerable to disasters.
The main mission for MSDF is to protect the country by responding to seaborne aggressions and ensuring maritime safety around Japan in light of the geographical and economic characteristics of the resource-poor country surrounded by ocean.
The main mission for ASDF is to reac t to foreign aircraft invasion into our territorial airspace and ballis t ic miss ile a t t acks on Japan’s territorial region so as to secure the surrounding airspace of our country.
Main Mission for GSDF
Main Mission for MSDF
Main Mission for ASDF
OF DEFENSE and SELF-DEFENSE FORCESOF DEFENSE and SELF-DEFENSE FORCES Organization and Activities of MINISTRY Organization and Activities of MINISTRY
Visit the cellular phone website with this QR code
Published by Public Affairs Division, Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of Defense, Japan 5-1 Honmura-cho, Ichigaya, Shinjuku-kuTokyo 162-8801 03-3268-3111(switch board)http://www.mod.go.jp/e/index.html
Printed in October, 2016
Regional Defense BureauRegional Defense Bureaus are local branch offices of the MOD that are in charge of securing the understanding and cooperation of local governments and people; acquiring, managing, constructing defense facilities and implementing measures for their surrounding areas; auditing costs of equipment etc.
Outline of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
Outline of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
Japan will build up appropriate defense capabilities for the protection of lives, person and properties of Japanese people, and Japan’s territorial land, water and airspace. The new NDPG stresses the importance of security of the sea and airspace surrounding Japan, respond to attacks on remote islands, and respond to ballistic missile attacks. By establishing a seamless defense posture based on these measures and efforts to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, Japan will ensure its peace and security.
The MSDF patrols the sea areas surrounding Japan routinely by using patrol aircraft. Moreover, GSDF coastal surveillance units and MSDF security posts conduct 24-hour warning and surveillance activities in the major sea straits.
Defense Capability to Ensure Sovereignty of Japan’s Territorial Land, Water and Airspace
The ASDF conducts daily 24-hour surveillance of Japan’s territorial and adjacent airspace using radar sites, early warning aircraft and early warning and control aircraft. Furthermore, fighters and other aircraft are always kept on standby for immediate scramble, in case any unknown aircraft were detected around territorial airspace.
Warnings and Emergency Takeoffs in Preparation against Intrusion of Airspace
In order to accomplish its missions whose core is the defense of Japan, the SDF needs to keep its commanding officers and other members at a high level as well as in a high state of readiness to fully exert their capabilities in any situation. For this purpose, the SDF develops powerful units and personnel through various exercises including joint exercises with other countries.
There are two main types of training within units in the GSDF, MSDF and ASDF: training for individual SDF personnel to improve their proficiency in their respective fields, and training for units to conduct systematic operations. In addition to such training for national defense, training is given on diverse roles required for the SDF in recent years such as peacekeeping operations and large-scale disaster relief operations.
Training and Exercises Everyday Training
It is vital to deepen mutual understanding under normal circumstances through bilateral and multilateral joint training. Engaging in various coordination and exchanges of opinions in training is also important to create a cooperative platform.
Joint Training with other Countries
The SDF conducts a variety of disaster relief operations in collaboration with municipal governments when disasters occur in any part of the country. For example, over 100,000 SDF personnel were dispatched at a peak time for relief operations in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake in March, 2011, and over 25,000 SDF personnel were dispatched at a peak time for relief operations in response to the Kumamoto Earthquake in April, 2016.
The SDF maintains initial response units called “FAST-Force” to promptly conduct disaster relief operations at anytime. The GSDF maintains first response readiness personnel, vehicles, and aircraft on standby in camps throughout the nation. The MSDF designates a first response vessel in each regional command for emergency and aircraft are kept on standby alert at each station. The ASDF keeps rescue and transport aircraft on standby at each base for air rescue readiness to ensure immediate response in case of disasters.
Initial Response to DisastersResponse to Large-Scale Disasters etc.
National Defense will not be viable and ensured without the trust and support of the people. The MOD/SDF are working to acquire the understandings and cooperation of the people and communities regarding the MOD/SDF.
The MOD/SDF conduct various support activities such as unexploded ordnance disposal, support to various events, and management of defense related facilities, in order to further deepen the mutual trust between the people and the SDF, and contribute to enhance and strengthen the defense foundation.
Activities in Civic LifeInteraction with Local Community and People
Based on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements, together with Japan’s own efforts, constitute the corners tone for Japan’s secur i t y. The Japan-U.S. Alliance centered on bilateral s e cur i t y a r r ang emen t s functions as public goods that contribute to the stability and prosperity not only of Japan but also of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.
In order to enhance Japan-U.S. defense cooperation, we are advancing operational cooperation including Japan-U.S. joint trainings and equipment/technology cooperation in parallel with close policy consultations at all levels including the Security Consultative Committee (the“2+2”).
Strengthening of Japan-U.S Security Arrangements Enhancing Japan-U.S Defense Cooperation
The military presence of the U.S. forces in Japan not only contributes to the defense of Japan, but also functions as deterrence in the Asia-Pacific region. We are working on various measures in order to mitigate the impact on local communities such as Okinawa while maintaining such deterrence.
Measures to Ensure Stationing of U.S. Forces in Japan
The MOD/SDF has actively engaged in activities such as UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) and international disaster relief activities in order to improve the global security environment. UN Peacekeeping Operations are conducted by the UN as a step to maintain peace in the regions of conflict worldwide. International disaster relief operations provide medical services and transportation upon request from the government of an affected country.
It is important for Japan to work together with its ally, friendly nation, and other countries concerned to tackle regional or global security issues. The MOD/SDF promotes multi-layered securit y cooperation with the international community, through cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and cooperation as a member of the international community.
The MOD/SDF, in a bid to fulfill a role commensurate to its international status and responsibilities, has actively engaged in international peace cooperation activities, including UN peacekeeping operations both in terms of funding and dispatching, to cooperate with global efforts of building a peaceful and stable international community.
International Peace Cooperation Activities Efforts to Support UN Peacekeeping Operations
The MOD/SDF has worked positively on international disaster relief operations. The MOD/SDF conducts activities such as medical care and transportation upon request from the government of an affected country from the viewpoint of humanitarian contributions and improvement of the global security environment.
International Disaster Relief Operations
Piracy is a grave threat to public safety and order at the sea. It is necessar y for Japan, which depends on maritime transportation to import most of its food and resources, to actively fulfill its international responsibilities.
The MOD/SDF dispatches two destroyers and two P-3C patrol aircraft to escort civilian vessels and to conduct warning and surveillance activities off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden in its operations. The MOD/SDF also participates in a multinational task force, the Combined Task Force 151 (CTF151) to engage in zone-defense and warning and surveillance activities in coordination with the countries concerned.
Anti-Piracy EffortsAnti-Piracy Activities
In order to ensure peace and stability in the A s ia -Pac i fic reg ion and the international community, the MOD/SDF has been actively promoting bilateral and multilateral frameworks for dialogue, exchanges, and cooperation with other count r ies whi le maint a ining the Japan-U.S. alliance as the fundamental basis.
Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with other Countries
Multi-layered Security Cooperation with the International Community
Warning and Surveillance in Sea and Airspace Surrounding Japan Cabinet
Prime Minister
Minister of Defense
State Minister of Defense
（Internal Bureaus）
National Security Council
Senior Adviser to the Minister of Defense
（Excluding temporary or special positions.）
Minister’s Secretariat
Bureau of Defense PolicyBureau of Defense Buildup PlanningBureau of Personnel and EducationBureau of Local Cooperation
SDF Ethics Review Board
Central Council on Defense FacilitiesDefense Personnel Review
Board
（As of March 31, 2016）
Authorized Strength of SDF Personnel （As of March 31, 2016）
National Defense Academy
National Defense Medical College
National Institute for Defense Studies
Defense Council
Chief of Staff, Joint Staff Joint Staff
Chief of Staff, Ground Self-Defense ForceGround Staff O
ffice
Chief of Staff, Maritime Self-Defense ForceM
aritime Staff O
ffice
Chief of Staff, Air Self-Defense ForceAir Staff O
ffice
Defense Intelligence Headquarters
Regional Defense Bureaus
Parliamentary Vice-Ministers of Defense
Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense
Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
Special Advisers to the Minister of Defense
Private Secretary of the Minister of Defense
[up to 3 people]
Organizational Chart of Ministry of Defense Activities of Ministry of Defe nse and Self-Defense ForcesActivities of Ministry of Defe nse and Self-Defense Forces
Vice-Minister of Defense for International AffairsDirector General, and OthersAdministrative Officials, and Others SDF Regular Personnel Reserve Personnel Ready Reserve Personnel Candidate Reserve Personnel
SDF PersonnelSpecial Service
GSDF
MSDF
ASDF
Joint Staff, etc.
SDF Personnel (Breakdown)
Total
Officer
Warrant Officer
Enlisted (upper)
Enlisted (lower)
Female SDF Personnel (Breakdown)
Minister of Defense
State Minister of Defense
Parliamentary Vice-Ministers of Defense 2
Senior Adviser to the Minister of Defense
Special Advisers to the Minister of Defense [up to 3 people]
Administrative Officials, and Others
Personnel of the Ministry of Defense
（13,476）
（39）
（2,118）
（7,613）
（3,706）
RegularService
3,987（3,650）
46,940（43,027）
45,364（42,052）
150,863（138,610）
29
4,6008,075
47,900247,154(227,339)
20,505624
Private Secretary of the Minister of Defense
Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense
Notes : 1. The number of authorized SDF personnel is determined based on the budget. 2. The number in parentheses denotes the actual number of SDF personnel as of March 31, 2016.
Joint Staff College
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CooperativeOrganizations
CooperativeUnits
Provincial Cooperation Offices
SDF Regional HospitalsSDF Central HospitalSDF Physical Training School
