Active March 27, 2004–present Type Special Forces | Size Classified | |
Role Special operationsDirect ActionAirborne assaultUnconventional WarfareReconnaisanceDomestic and International Counter-Terrorism | ||
The Japanese Special Forces Group (特殊作戦群, Tokushusakusengun) is the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's counter-terrorist unit established by the former Japanese Defense Agency to counter terrorist activities and deter guerrilla-style attacks on Japanese soil and to conduct military operations, like the 1st Airborne Brigade, against guerrillas or enemy commandos. The unit is based in Narashino, Chiba garrison in Funabashi, Chiba with the 1st Airborne Brigade. The unit was formerly known as the Special Operations Group.
Contents
- History
- Formation
- Training
- Assault rifles
- Battle Rifles
- Submachine guns
- Pistols
- Sniper rifles
- Others
- Equipment
- Unit features
- References
The SFGp has been referred to as Japan's Delta Force, due to their specialized role in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Delta Force personnel had been responsible for assisting the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in raising the SFGp's foundations prior to its establishment.
The civilian counterpart of the SFGp is the Japan National Police Agency's Special Assault Team.
History
In 1998, the Japan Defense Agency had proposed the formation of a unit in the JGSDF that would handle tasks such as counter-terrorism with a selected group of JGSDF soldiers from the 1st Airborne Brigade sent to the United States to be trained by Delta Force operators. At the same time, two platoons were created from the brigade as a means of creating the unit's foundations. These consist of the G Platoon (Formation Unit) and the S Platoon (Research Unit).
The establishment of the unit's framework had been completed in 2003, after 3 years of training and organisation. The unit's structure is based on that of the United States Army's Delta Force and Green Berets.
On March 27, 2004, the Japan Defense Agency had activated the unit as the Special Operations Group with the mandate under the JGSDF as its Counter-terrorist unit.
In 2005, the SFGp had deployed four of its operators to serve as bodyguards for the Japanese commander of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's contingent in Iraq under the Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group.
On March 28, 2007, the SFGp merged with the 1st Airborne Brigade, the 1st Helicopter Brigade and the 101st NBC Protection Unit to create the Central Readiness Force.
The unit changed its name on March 26, 2008 from SOG to SFGp or the Special Forces Group.
Formation
Training
Potential recruits to the SFGp are drawn from Ranger-qualified personnel from the 1st Airborne Brigade. As such, all SFGp soldiers are Airborne-qualified.
For specialized training, the 1st Platoon have their freefall training under the 1st Airborne Brigade with the 2nd Platoon under the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The SFGp has a training facility inside the JGSDF Narashino, Chiba camp to conduct training on various techniques, especially on CQB tactics.
Assault rifles
Battle Rifles
Submachine guns
Pistols
Sniper rifles
Others
Equipment
The SFGp has access to equipment used by the JGSDF, such as the Komatsu LAVs and Toyota Koukidoushas for transport and reconnaissance use. They also work in conjunction with the 1st Helicopter Brigade to provide mobility support, though they can be also deployed via C-130 Hercules aircraft.
Unit features
As part of regulating and protecting the identities of the various soldiers serving in the SFGp, their faces are hidden in balaclavas and cannot be revealed except with authorization from their commanding officers. It is said that personnel cannot enter certain areas of their Narashino camp, such as the SFGp barracks, unless they have the proper identification with them.