15th Brigade (Japan)

The 15th Brigade (第15旅団) is one of eight active brigades of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The brigade is subordinated to the Western Army^[1] and is headquartered in Naha, Okinawa.^[2] Its responsibility is the defense of Okinawa Prefecture.

2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami disaster relief, the Northeast 15th Brigade carries out a dispatch

15th Brigade
15th Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia
Active	26 March 2010 – present
Country	Japan
Branch	Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Type	Brigade
Size	2500 soldiers
Part of	Western Army
Garrison/HQ	Naha
Commanders
Current commander	Maj. Gen. Hideki Agario

History

The 15th Brigade was raised to replace the 1st Combined Brigade on March 26, 2010.^[3][2]

Organization

• 15th Brigade, in Naha
  • 15th Brigade HQ, in Naha
  • 51st Infantry Regiment ^{note 1}, in Naha
  • 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, in Yaese, with three Type 3 Chū-SAM, and one Type 11 Surface-to-air missile battery
  • Miyako Area Security Force, in Miyakojima
  • 15th Reconnaissance Company, in Naha, with Type 87 armored reconnaissance vehicles
  • 15th Combat Engineer Company, in Naha
  • 15th Signal Company, in Naha
  • 15th Aviation Squadron, in Naha, flying UH-60JA and CH-47J/JA helicopters
  • 15th NBC-defense Company, in Naha
  • 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, in Naha
  • 15th Logistic Support Battalion, in Naha

note 1: Infantry Regiments have only battalion strength.