Cabinet approval of new security bills makes SDF personnel concerned about changes in their role
May 22, 2015
On May 14, Self-Defense Forces (SDF) troops stationed in the cities of Kure and Etajima shared mixed feelings about the Cabinet’s approval of new security bills which would enable Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense. Kure has a base for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), while Etajima hosts the JMSDF 1st Service School. Though some troops took a positive view of the decision, stressing that they “just do their duty,” others called for limits on their operations and more clarification of the weapons use standard.
Around the Kure Naval Base in early morning, a serviceman in his 40s hurried to work, saying “I just do what I’m ordered to do. That earns my bread and butter.” Another serviceman in his 20s said flatly, “Even if there are more dangerous missions going forward, I think these will be rewarding experiences.”
Once the bills are passed and enacted, the scope of SDF operations will expand significantly. For instance, this legislation will allow the SDF to provide assistance to U.S. forces and the military forces of other nations without geographical restrictions. A serviceman in his 40s in Etajima said calmly, “When I joined the SDF about 20 years ago, I never imagined this would be the situation. But SDF’s role must change according to changes in global conditions.”
On the other hand, some personnel raised concerns over changes in their role. A serviceman in his 40s in Etajima said, “I hope there are no ambiguities over the standard of weapons use. I serve for the Japanese people, and I don’t want to be criticized by the public for my operations.” Another serviceman in his 30s in Kure expressed concern that the interpretation of security cooperation between Japan and the United States appears to be different. “Conflicts have been breaking out in many countries, which make containment by force more difficult,” he said. “I’m wondering if Japan can really say no when the U.S. is struggling and asks for further help that crosses the line.”
(Originally published on May 15, 2015)
Around the Kure Naval Base in early morning, a serviceman in his 40s hurried to work, saying “I just do what I’m ordered to do. That earns my bread and butter.” Another serviceman in his 20s said flatly, “Even if there are more dangerous missions going forward, I think these will be rewarding experiences.”
Once the bills are passed and enacted, the scope of SDF operations will expand significantly. For instance, this legislation will allow the SDF to provide assistance to U.S. forces and the military forces of other nations without geographical restrictions. A serviceman in his 40s in Etajima said calmly, “When I joined the SDF about 20 years ago, I never imagined this would be the situation. But SDF’s role must change according to changes in global conditions.”
On the other hand, some personnel raised concerns over changes in their role. A serviceman in his 40s in Etajima said, “I hope there are no ambiguities over the standard of weapons use. I serve for the Japanese people, and I don’t want to be criticized by the public for my operations.” Another serviceman in his 30s in Kure expressed concern that the interpretation of security cooperation between Japan and the United States appears to be different. “Conflicts have been breaking out in many countries, which make containment by force more difficult,” he said. “I’m wondering if Japan can really say no when the U.S. is struggling and asks for further help that crosses the line.”
(Originally published on May 15, 2015)
