Central Readiness Force
| Central Readiness Force | |
|---|---|
| File:Central Readiness Force insignia.gif Official Central Readiness Force insignia | |
| Active | March 28, 2007 - Present |
| Country | Japan |
| Branch | Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces |
| Type | Special Forces |
| Role | Direct Action, Unconventional Warfare, Domestic and International Counter-Terrorism |
| Size | 3,200 soldiers |
| Part of | Controls 1st Airborne Brigade, the 1st Helicopter Brigade, the Japanese Special Operations Group and the 101st NBC Protection Unit |
| Garrison/HQ | Nerima, Tokyo |
| Nickname(s) | CRF |
| Engagements | United Nations Mission in Nepal |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lieutenant General Josho Yamaguchi |
The Central Readiness Force (中央即応集団, Chūō Sokuō Shūdan) was recently established on March 28, 2007, following the upgrading of the Japanese Defense Minstry from the former Japanese Defense Agency. Based in Asaka's Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) base in Nerima, Tokyo, the unit has the capability of responding to any situation in either Japanese or foreign soil. The unit can also be Japan's response to any combat operations in further peacekeeping missions as a rapid reaction force. [1]
The CRF had a formal ceremony in the same base on March 31, 2007. Japanese Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma was the guest of honor in formally inaugurating the force. Lieutenant General Josho Yamaguchi (山口淨秀陸将, Yamaguchi Josho Chūjō) is the first and current commanding officer of the CRF. [2]
History
Formed on March 28, 2007, the CRF has consolidated the 1st Airborne Brigade, the 1st Helicopter Brigade, the Japanese Special Operations Group and the 101st NBC Protection Unit into a single force meant to conduct operations in domestic and foreign soil. [3]
On March 31, the Central Readiness Force had held its formal ceremony at the JGSDF's Asaka base in Nerima, Tokyo, which included guests such as Fumio Kyuma and Josho Yamaguchi, the former presideng over the formal establishment of the CRF.
6 of its officers left for Nepal as participants of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN). Prior to arriving in the country, they were not allowed to engage against Maoist rebels due to Article 9 regulations except for self-defense [4]. They are scheduled to return by March 31, 2008.
Structure
The structure of the CRF has been created with the following established for its headquarters:
Chain of Command
- Commander (Lieutenant General)
- Deputy Commander for Domestic Operations (Major General)
- Deputy Commander for International Operations (Major General)
- Chief of Staff (Colonel)
- Vice Chief of Staff (2 officers with rank of Colonel)
Division
- Personnel
- Information
- Defense Plans & Operations
- Logistics
- Administration
- Accounting
- Communications
- National Welfare
Personnel
- Reporting Officer
- Army Surgeon
- Inspector
- Law Officer
- Staff Manager
- Adjutant
Formation
Current
- Headquarters - Asaka, Nerima, Tokyo with 230 personnel
- 1st Airborne Brigade - Narashino, Chiba with 1,900 personnel
- Special Operations Group - Narashino, Chiba with 300 personnel
- 1st Helicopter Brigade - Kisarazu, Chiba with 900 personnel
- 101st NBC Protection Unit - Ōmiya-ku, Saitama with 155 personnel
- United Nations Operations Unit - Komakado with 80 personnel
Future
The following units are scheduled to be integrated into the Central Readiness Force by March 2008
- Central Readiness Regiment - Utsonomiya with 700 personnel
- Central NBC Protection Unit - Ōmiya-ku, Saitama with 155 personnel, scheduled for reorganization
- Anti-NBC Medical Unit - Asaka with 70 personnel
References
- ^ GSDF launches quick terror-response division Retrieved on April 1, 2007.
- ^ Central Readiness Force Greetings Page Retrieved on April 1, 2007. Template:Ja icon
- ^ Central Readiness Force Organization Page Retrieved on April 1, 2007. Template:Ja icon
- ^ SDF officers arrive in Nepal for U.N. mission. Retrieved on April 1, 2007.