The military art of any state is filled with specific traditions that have been formed over the centuries. The ability to beautifully wage war was famous for many countries in world history, but only some of them have preserved ancient customs in our time. As practice shows, such states are as combat-ready as possible, because war is an inherent instinct for their soldiers. Such states include Switzerland, famous for its mercenaries, Germany, which fought twice against the whole world, Great Britain with its best sailors, as well as Spain, whose infantry is known throughout the world. But in world history there is another country whose army is no worse than the above. This state repeatedly waged war with China, Russia, and also played an important role in the Second World War. Thus, the article will discuss the structure, strength, history and other features of the army of the state of Japan.
The imperial army is the source of modern Japanese armed forces
The modern army of Japan is a historical echo of the once existing army, which was known to the whole world for its ruthlessness, strength and power. However, the creation of the Japanese army was preceded by a series of reforms. Initially, there was no single military formation in Japan.
The basis of the country's defense were specific samurai militias, which practically did not yield to control. But by 1871, the imperial army of Japan appeared in the country. The basis of the military formation was the individual troops of several principalities (Choshu, Tosa, Satsuma). The main regulatory bodies were the Ministry of the Army and Navy. Within a few years, the imperial army became a formidable force, which more than once proved its strength in battles with the Russian Empire, China and the British colonies. However, the history of the imperial army of Japan was a foregone conclusion when the country entered into an alliance with Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.
Self Defense
In 1945, Japan was defeated in World War II. The occupying forces of the United States of America liquidated the imperial army, and by the middle of 1947 absolutely all military educational institutions were closed, and traditional martial arts classes were prohibited. From this moment, the state of Japan is under the complete control of the United States.
Already in 1951, American authorities received permission to deploy their military bases in Japan. After that, the state gradually begins to develop its own armed forces, which acted solely on the basis of the principle of state defense. Thus, self-defense forces appear in Japan. By the beginning of the XXI century, these forces have become a professional military formation, deserving the status of the armed forces. At the same time, the ban on the use of the Japanese Armed Forces outside the territory of the state is lifted. Today, Japan’s self-defense is a professional army with its own structure and a clear list of tasks. The size of the army is 247 thousand people.
Business principles
The Armed Forces of Japan operate on the basis of principles that have incorporated many moral standards and political doctrines. There are four basic principles:
1. Refusal to attack. This means that the state will not use its troops for a direct attack, violation of the territorial integrity of other states.
2. Refusal to use nuclear weapons.
3. Ubiquitous continuous monitoring of Japan's self-defense.
4. Military cooperation with the United States of America. After World War II, Japan is the largest US military ally outside of NATO.
The presented list of principles is not exhaustive, as Japan seeks to ensure complete transparency of its military activities.
Ambiguity of legal status
It should be noted that the Japanese army has an ambiguous legal status. The Japanese Constitution prohibits the creation of any military units on the territory of the state, which is enshrined in article 9 of the Basic Law.
In turn, self-defense is a civilian formation, in other words, not a military one. However, none of the existing countries in the world can do without a strong, professional army. Japan in this sense is no exception. But the lack of a legal basis for the application significantly limits the activities and the sphere where the Japanese armed forces or self-defense forces can be used.
Self Defense Force Structure
Along with the armies of other states, the Japanese army today has a standard structure of four basic elements. The convenience of such a construction of the armed forces is due to the speed of interaction between the individual elements. There are the following structural elements that make up the Japanese army, namely:
- Ground forces self-defense.
- Naval Self-Defense Forces.
- Air Self-Defense Forces.
The fourth main element of the armed forces are special services. They are usually singled out as a separate system unit, since they have their own hierarchy and complex internal structure.
Ground and Air Self-Defense Forces
The imperial army was famous for its air forces, which proved to be excellent during the Second World War. Today, the Japanese Air Defense Forces have adopted the traditions of the imperial army, but the goals are significantly different.
Aviation is intended to protect the airspace of the state, as well as the destruction of enemy air forces in the event of a direct attack on Japan. The country has powerful aviation equipment and several structural military units inside the air force. Japan’s land self-defense forces have been substantially "cut back" because the state is prohibited from creating motorized landing units in the army. Nevertheless, such troops have artillery, infantry, tank and helicopter divisions, which fully provide the defense of Japan. The ground forces of Japan have a large number of heavy and light tanks, armored vehicles (BMPs), armored personnel carriers, artillery installations, and mortars produced in different countries.
Japan Navy Self-Defense Forces
Naval forces are the main way to protect the territory of Japan, because the state is located on several islands. This is the most combat-ready part of the armed forces.
Many scholars compare Japan’s naval self-defense forces with the US Navy as equal in war conditions at sea. The Japanese Navy consists of four main squadrons, which are based in different parts of Japan: the first in Yokosuka, the second in Sasebo, the third in Mizuru, the fourth in Kura. But there is one drawback to naval forces - there is no marines. This fact is due to the principle of non-aggression, which is basic to the Japanese army. The marines do not exist, because the state is simply not allowed to have it. The naval forces include a large number of destroyers, destroyers, aircraft carriers and submarines of various classes and levels. The fleet also has many support ships and floating bases.
Special services
Special services are allocated in a separate group of departments, which form a separate element of the structure of the Armed Forces of Japan. All of them have their own regulatory framework, as well as a number of specific functional tasks. These services include:
- Information and research bureau (the activities of the service are unclear due to the small number of employees and a high degree of secrecy).
- Military Intelligence (a service that is based on the intelligence achievements of the imperial army, and has also largely adopted the experience of intelligence of the United States).
- Information and research management.
- The Main Police Directorate (the main body of public security).
- Office of Investigation.
- Military counterintelligence (the main counterintelligence body of Japan).
In addition, new services are constantly being created in Japan as social and international relations develop.
Conclusion
In addition, it should be said that the strength of the Japanese army is growing every year. In addition, the amount of funds that the government spends on the maintenance of the army is growing. Thus, today Japan’s self-defense is one of the most professional and dangerous armed groups in the world, even taking into account the neutral status of the state.