Rising sons: Japanese ground forces transformation continues apace

摘要

In terms of manpower, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Rikujo Jieitai or JGSDF) is the largest of the three branches in the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) with 150,834 regular service personnel and 8,075 reserves at the end of fiscal year 2018 (FY 2018). Created on 1 July 1954 the JGSDF is responsible for the territorial defence of Japan's home islands - Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu - with its five regional armies: the Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, Central, and Western armies.