Joint Operations Command (Japan)
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The Joint Operations Command (Japanese: 統合作戦司令部, Hepburn: Tōgōsakusen Shirei-Bu, JJOC) is the Japanese joint operational command that reports to the Japanese Ministry of Defense (JMOD) in Ichigaya, Tokyo. It is in charge of commanding the braches of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
| Joint Operations Command | |
|---|---|
| 統合作戦司令部 | |
JJOC logo | |
| Active | March 24, 2025 |
| Country | Japan |
| Role | Joint operations |
| Size | 240 |
| Garrison/HQ | Japanese Ministry of Defense |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo |
| Deputy Commander | Vice Admiral Tateki Tawara |
History
Summarize
Perspective
Recommendations to establish the JJOC was mentioned as early as 2022 when the Defense Buildup Plan (DBP) paper was released, which called for the suggestion of a creating a joint headquarters to "build a system capable of seamlessly conducting cross-domain operations at all stages from peacetime to contingency, with the aim of strengthening the effectiveness of joint operations among each SDF service".[1] This view was also shared in the National Defense Strategy (NDS) paper.[2] In September 2023, the JMOD announced the creation of a "Permanent Joint Headquarters" for March 2025 with funds requested for fiscal year 2024 under 10.5 billion yen ($71.2 million) to cover the cost of setting it up.[3]
In February 2024, the government approved a bill that would amend the Self-Defense Forces Law (SDF Law), which calls for the establishment of a joint operation command.[4] Plans to have it established were made due to concerns of Japan facing military provocation while at the same time, dealing with large-scale disasters.[5] This was based on lessons learned from previous incidents where the command structure was not adequate.[3] In the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, then-Joint Staff Chief Ryoichi Oriki was overwhelmed with multiple duties from commanding the JSDF for disaster relief operations, providing advice to the prime minister and defense minister and liaising with United States Forces Japan (USFJ) forces.[6] This burden was cited in a 2018 Center for Strategic and International Studies report, which stated that the chief of staff works as a chief of defense and combatant commander and recommended having a subordinate commander to take on some of chief of staff’s duties for the JSDF to be effective.[7]
On March 11, 2025, Lt. Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force was nominated to be the commander of the JJOC.[6]
A ceremony was held on March 24, 2025 at the JMOD.[8] Lt. Gen. Nagumo was officially appointed as the JJOC's first commander.[9] Vice Admiral Tateki Tawara was appointed as the deputy commander.[6] The unit flag was awarded to Lt. Gen. Nagumo by Defense Minister Gen Nakatani.[10]
In the wake of the JJOC's establishment, concerns were raised that The Pentagon has considered plans to cancel plans to upgrade the command structure of USFJ as part of cutting costs.[11][12] These plans also raised concerns in Seoul, where it is wary that the same measures can be applied to United States Forces Korea (USFK) forces.[13]
Organization
The JJOC will command the three branches of the JSDF and is in charge of commanding units in the Ground Component Command, the Self-Defense Fleet, the Air Defense Command, the Cyber Defense Command, and the Space Operations Group.[4] It is led by a general who has the same rank as the chiefs of staff in the three JSDF branches.[4] It is under the command of the Defense Ministry.[9]
The JJOC will serve as the point of contact for the United States Indo-Pacific Command.[6] This allows the Joint Staff Chief to focus on speaking and advising the defense minister and other concerned persons in the government.[10][8]
The JJOC has a manpower of 240 personnel with further plans to increase it.[14] According to NHK, suggested plans include raising the JJOC's manpower to have 280 personnel.[15]
References
External Links
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