Western Army Infantry Regiment

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Western Army Infantry Regiment
西部方面普通科連隊
Seibu Hōmen Futsū-ka Rentai
Iraqi occupation
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel Yoshiyuki Gotō
Notable
commanders		Colonel Akira Kurosawa[1]

The Western Army Infantry Regiment (

Okinawa prefecture.[3] Although it is designated a regiment, it is comparable to a typical infantry battalion
in size.

In April 2018, a new brigade modeled along the lines of the US Marine Corps was activated within the

Nagasaki prefecture, in proximity to the large naval base there.[3][4]

History

A WAIR soldier holds his binoculars while kneeling on the ground during a training mission with US Marines in Camp Pendleton.

The WAIR was created on March 27, 2002, in order to defend remote islands in the western part of Japan in case of an invasion or enemy attacks, although they are also mandated to assist in search and rescue efforts in case their assistance is needed.[2][5] It consists of Ranger-trained JGSDF soldiers and at the initial formation, it consisted of 600 soldiers.[3]

In August 2010, a proposal was being considered by the

Japanese government to convert a conventional [battalion strength] regiment from either the 8th Division or the 15th Brigade into a "US-style" amphibious unit,[6][7] effectively giving the Western Army a battalion of marines for dealing with contingencies. In 2011, WAIR soldiers were trained alongside the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.[8]

In 2013, troops from the Western Army Infantry Regiment deployed from the

JS Shimokita for an amphibious warfare exercise in California.[9]

Possible sister unit

WAIR soldiers lift inflatable rafts during a training exercise alongside a US Marine, who is serving as their Japanese interpreter.

As of June 2013, as part of an ongoing expansion of defense capabilities in the Western Army's area of responsibility, the

Light-weight Combat Vehicle (LCV) System alongside MV-22 Ospreys.[11]

Its growth is part of the National Defense Programme Guidelines that were adopted by the Japanese Government in order to ascertain the JGSDF's capabilities in amphibious warfare in defending its islands in case of a future war involving Japan, which can bolster the Japanese–American military alliance.[12]

When mustered, the new unit together with the WAIR would form a major part of the Western Army's first response to a hostile incursion in the more remote parts of its AOR.

New parent unit

Main article: Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade

In early September 2015, plans for the creation of the new unit, now referred to as the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade

Camp Pendleton for direct training with US Marines in 2016.[15]

The new marine brigade (ARDB) was established on March 27, 2018, and is commanded by Major General Shinichi Aoki.[16]

Training

Potential recruits for WAIR must be Ranger-qualified before they are accepted.[5] Once in the unit, WAIR soldiers are trained in reconnaissance, survival skills and techniques.[5]

Equipment

WAIR forces were equipped with light infantry weapons, including mortars and Japanese-made military trucks such as the Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Truck.[17] For current equipment see under: Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.

References

  1. ^ Corporal Elyssa Quesada. "Coronado hosts Japanese amphibious training". Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  2. ^ a b Fumiaki Sonoyama (2012-10-28). "GSDF wants amphibious capabilities of U.S. Marines". The Asahi Shimbun. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
  3. ^ a b c "WAiR （ワイアー）：陸上自衛隊西部方面普通科連隊" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2005-12-01. Retrieved 2005-12-01.
  4. ^ Takateru Doi (2010-09-01). "GSDF 'Marines' planned to defend isles". The Asahi Shimbun. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  5. ^ a b c 西部方面普通科連隊の新編 (in Japanese). Japanese Ministry of Defense. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  6. ^ "15th Brigade". Global Security. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  7. ^ Kyle Mizokami. "It's official: Japan is getting Marines". New Pacific Institute. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  8. ^ "Coronado hosts Japanese amphibious training".
  9. ^ Spitzer, Kirk (25 April 2013). "Japanese Invasion Fleet Heads For California — Then Where?". Battlefield. Time. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  10. ^ "Special SDF isle assault unit in works". The Japan Times. 2013-06-13. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  11. ^ Zachary Keck (2013-06-15). "Japan Might Create Island Assault Unit". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  12. ^ Ayako Mie & Mizuho Aoki (August 2013). "Nation's troops long way from hitting the beaches: experts". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  13. The Asahi Shimbun
    . 1 September 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  14. ^ Asia Times
  15. ^ Fuentes, Gidget U.S. Marines Teach Japanese Forces How to Fight From the Sea in Expanded Iron Fist Exercise January 25, 2016 USNI News Retrieved December 11, 2016
  16. ^ "Japan's new marines make their debut, but much preparatory work remains to be done". 8 April 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-04-08.
  17. ^ Kyle Mizokami (2013-10-19). "Japan's Amphibious Buildup". USNI News. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
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