8th Division (Japan)

Updated on Oct 06, 2024

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Country Japan Size Division		Type Infantry Part of Western Army

Active 18 January 1962 – present Branch Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

The 8th Division (第8師団) is one of nine active divisions of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The division is subordinated to the Western Army and is headquartered in Kumamoto. Its responsibility is the defense of the Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures.

The division was raised on 18 January 1962.

Organization

8th Division, in Kumamoto

8th Division HQ, in Kumamoto

8th Tank Battalion, in Kusu, with three squadrons of Type 74 and one squadron of Type 10 tanks

10th Tank Battalion, in Kengun, operating Type 61 tanks until they were dismissed in 2000

12th Infantry Regiment ^{note 1}, in Kirishima

42nd Infantry Regiment, in Kumamoto

43rd Infantry Regiment, in Miyakonojō

8th Artillery Regiment, in Kumamoto

1st Artillery Battalion, with two batteries of FH-70 155mm towed howitzers

2nd Artillery Battalion, with two batteries of FH-70 155mm towed howitzers

3rd Artillery Battalion, with two batteries of FH-70 155mm towed howitzers

4th Artillery Battalion, with two batteries of FH-70 155mm towed howitzers

5th Artillery Battalion, with four batteries of FH-70 155mm towed howitzers

8th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, in Kumamoto, with Type 81 and Type 93 Surface-to-air missile systems

8th Combat Engineer Battalion, in Satsumasendai

8th Signal Battalion, in Kumamoto

8th Reconnaissance Company, in Kumamoto, with Type 87 armored reconnaissance vehicle

8th Aviation Squadron, in Mashiki, flying UH-1J and OH-6D helicopters

8th NBC Protection Company, in Kumamoto

8th Logistic Support Regiment, in Kumamoto

1st Maintenance Battalion

2nd Maintenance Battalion

Supply Company

Medical Company

Transport Company

note 1: Infantry Regiments have only battalion strength.

(Text) CC BY-SA