Army of Japan: characteristics and description of weapons. Japan's Self-Defense Forces

The military art of any state is filled with specific traditions that have been formed for centuries. The ability to wage war was famous for many countries in world history, but only some of them have preserved the ancient customs in our time. As practice shows, such states are as efficient as possible, because the war for their soldiers is an innate instinct. Among such states is Switzerland, famous for its mercenaries, Germany, which twice waged war against the whole world, Great Britain with its best navigators, and also Spain, whose infantry is known all over 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 World War II. Thus, the article will deal with the structure, size, history and other characteristics of the army of the state Japan.

The Imperial Army is the source of the 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 through 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 was the specific samurai militias, which were virtually uncontrollable. But by 1871, the imperial army of Japan appeared in the country. The basis of the military formation was served by individual troops of several principalities (Choμshuyu, Tosa, Satsuma). The main regulating bodies were the Ministry of the Army and Navy. Within a few years the imperial army became a formidable force, which has repeatedly proved its power in the battles with the Russian Empire, China and the British colonies. However, the history of Japan's imperial army was predetermined when the country entered into an alliance with Nazi Germany and fascist Italy.

Creating Self Defense

In 1945, Japan was defeated in World War II. The occupation troops of the United States of America liquidated the imperial army, and by the middle of 1947, all military schools had been closed, traditional martial arts classes had been banned. Since then, the state of Japan is under the full control of the United States. Already in 1951, the US authorities were authorized to deploy their military bases in Japan. After that, the state begins to gradually develop its own armed forces, which acted solely on the basis of the principle of state defense. Thus, in Japan there are forces of self-defense. By the beginning of the 21st century, these forces had turned into a professional military formation deserving the status of armed forces. At the same time, the ban on the use of the Japanese Armed Forces outside the territory of the state is lifted. To date, Japan's self-defense is a professional army with its own structure and a clear list of tasks. The strength of the army is 247 thousand people.

Principles of operation

The armed forces of Japan operate on the basis of principles that have incorporated many moral norms and political doctrines. There are only five basic principles:

1. Refusal to attack. This means that the state will not use its troops for 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 activities.

4. Military cooperation with the United States of America. After the Second World War, Japan is the largest military ally of the United States outside NATO.

The presented list of principles is not exhaustive, as Japan seeks to ensure full transparency of its military activities.

Ambiguity of legal status

It should be noted that the Japanese army has an ambiguous legal status. The Constitution of Japan prohibits the creation of any military formations 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 military. However, none of the existing countries of the world can not do without a strong, professional army. Japan in this sense is no exception. But the lack of a legal basis for the application severely limits the activities and scope where it is possible to use the armed forces of Japan or the self-defense forces.

Structure of Self-Defense Forces

Along with the armies of other states, the army of Japan 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, of which the army of Japan consists, namely:

- Ground Forces of self-defense.

- Naval forces of self-defense.

- Air Self-Defense Forces.

The fourth main element of the armed forces is special services. They are usually selected as a separate system unit, since they have their own hierarchy and complex internal structure.

Land and air forces of self-defense

The Imperial Army was famous for its air force formations, which proved themselves well during the Second World War. Today, Japan's self-defense air forces have adopted the traditions of the imperial army, but the objectives differ significantly. Aviation is designed 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 possesses powerful aviation equipment and several structural military formations within the air force. The ground forces of self-defense in Japan are substantially "cut", because the state is prohibited from creating motorized landing units in the army structure. Nevertheless, such troops have artillery, infantry, tank and helicopter divisions, which fully provide the defense of Japan. Japan's armed forces have a large number of heavy and light tanks, armored vehicles (BMPs), armored personnel carriers, artillery systems, mortars manufactured in various countries.

Marine Self-Defense Forces of Japan

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-capable part of the armed forces. Many scientists compare Japan's naval self-defense forces with the US Navy as equals in war conditions at sea. The Navy of Japan consists of four main squadrons, which are based in different parts of Japan: the first in Yokosuka, the second in Sasebo, the third in Maizuru, the fourth in Kura. But there is one minus the naval forces - the marines are missing. This fact is due to the principle of non-aggression, which is the basis for the army of Japan. Marine infantry does not exist, because the state is simply not allowed to have it. As part of naval forces, a large number of destroyers, destroyers, aircraft carriers and submarines of various classes and levels. Also, the fleet has many support ships and floating bases.

Special Services

Special services are allocated to a separate group of agencies, 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. Such services include:

- Information and Research Bureau (the activity of the service is unclear because of the small number of employees and a high degree of secrecy).

- Military intelligence (service that is based on intelligence achievements of the imperial army, and also largely adopted the experience of intelligence of the United States).

- Information and research management.

- The main police department (the main body of public safety).

- Investigation Department.

- Counterespionage military (the main counter-intelligence agency 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 army of Japan is growing every year. In addition, the amount of money that the government spends on maintaining the army is also increasing. Thus, to date, Japan's self-defense is one of the most professional and dangerous armed formations in the world, even taking into account the neutral status of the state.