Special Forces Group (Japan)

The Special Operations Group (特殊作戦群, Tokushusakusengun) is the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's special forces unit established on March 27, 2004, by the then Defense Agency to counter terrorist activities and deter guerrilla-style attacks on Japanese soil[2] and to conduct military operations against guerrillas or enemy commandos.[3][4] The unit is based in Camp Narashino in Funabashi, Chiba along with the 1st Airborne Brigade.[5]

Special Operations Group
特殊作戦群
ActiveMarch 27, 2004–present
Country Japan
Branch Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
TypeSpecial forces
SizeClassified, estimated 300〜500[1]
Part ofGround Component Command
Garrison/HQNarashino Garrison, Funabashi, Chiba
Nickname(s)SOG/Special Operations Group
Engagements
Commanders
Current
commander		Takanori Hirata (Colonel)
Notable
commanders		Takashi Araya
Insignia
Identification
symbol		SOG Pin Badge


The SOG has been referred to as Japan's Green Berets and Delta Force,[6] due to their specialized role in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The initial members of the Special Operations Group trained with Delta Force.[7]

The civilian counterpart of the SOG is the Special Assault Teams of the prefectural police departments under the Japanese National Police Agency.

While current manpower is classified, an estimated 300 operators are known to serve in the SOG.[1]

History

In 1998, the Defense Agency had proposed the formation of a unit within the JGSDF that would handle tasks such as counter-terrorism with a selected group of JGSDF soldiers from the 1st Airborne Brigade sent to the United States to be trained by Green Berets and Delta Force operators. At the same time, two platoons were created from the brigade to be the foundations for the new unit. These consisted of the G Platoon (Formation Unit) and the S Platoon (Research Unit).

The establishment of the unit's framework had been completed in 2003, after 3 years of training and organisation. The unit's structure is based on that of Green Berets and Delta Force,[6] SAS (Special Air Service), KSK (Kommando Spezialkräfte), Australian Special Forces units.[8][9] Bilingual 1st Special Forces Group personnel were on hand to assist the JGSDF in creating their Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E).[10] Takashi Araya once mentioned in an interview that he trained with Green Berets abroad for a year.[11]

On March 27, 2004, the Defense Agency activated the unit as the Special Operations Group with the mandate under the JGSDF as its counter-terrorist unit.

In 2005, the SFGp had deployed four of its operators to serve as bodyguards for the commander of the JGSDF's contingent in Iraq under the Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group.[6]

On March 28, 2007, the SFGp, along with the 1st Airborne Brigade, the 1st Helicopter Brigade, and the 101st NBC Protection Unit, became part of the newly created Central Readiness Force.[12][13]

The unit changed its English name on March 26, 2008, from SOG to SFGp or the Special Forces Group.[14]

On page 14 of the January–March 2014 edition of「Special Warfare[15]」, authorized official bimonthly publication by the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and Fort Bragg, the U.S. Army Green Berets 1st SFG(A) and the JGSDF SFGp conduct a bilateral exercise "Silent Eagle," each fall at JBLM in Washington State.[16]

In 2016, the SFGp was placed on standby during the 42nd G7 summit in case their assistance is required to back up the Special Assault Team and the Anti-Firearms Squad.[17]

On page 83 of the October–December 2017 edition of「Special Warfare[15]」, authorized official bimonthly publication by the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and Fort Bragg, the strongest relationship and history between the U.S. Army Green Beret 1st SFG(A) 1st Battalion stationed in Okinawa, and JGSDF SFGp, as well as the training conducted by the former USPACOM subordinated Green Berets CRF(Crisis Response Force) and JGSDF SFGp at Joint Combined Exchange Training(JCET) in Camp Narashino and Okinawa on various missions, including direct action(DA), hostage rescue(HR), urban movement and mobility on rotary wing and vehicle platforms.[18]

On January 18, 2018, the SFGp conducted one of their few exercises before the presence of the Australian and Japanese prime ministers.[19] At least one SFGp operator was an observer at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) 2018 exercises in Florida.[20] King Abdullah II of Jordan visited Japan and was given a demonstration by SFGp operators on November 27, 2018.[21]

On February 18, 2019, unnamed SFGp operators were deployed to attend Flintlock military exercises in Africa.[22]

On November 5, 2021, the SFGp has trained in Guam with the Green Berets.[10] Exercises between the 1st Special Forces Group and the SFGp are conducted yearly under the codename Silent Eagle.[23]

On June 29, 2021, then Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga visited maneuvers performed by SFGp operators.[24]

On August, 2022, Joint counter-terrorism exercise「Exercise Dusk Samurai 2022」with the Australian Army 2nd Commando Regiment at Sydney Parramatta, Australia, was posted on the Australian Department of Defence (Australia) official website.[25]

On October 6, 2022, Posted on the JGSDF official website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter that the SFGp and the Australian Army Special Operations Command (Australia) conducted field training in Australia in August 2022.[26][27][28][29] This is the first official announcement by the JGSDF regarding SFGp's training and joint training between SFGp and special forces units of other countries, and was the sixth joint exercise with the Australian Army Special Forces since 2015.[30][31]

Volume 19, number 1, 2023 of 「Veritas,[32] a publication published by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command History Office, contains a description of SFGp and details of joint exercise「Silent Eagle 2011」, a joint exercise between SFGp and the U.S. Army Green Berets 1st SFG(A).[33]

On March 16, 2023, Posted on the JGSDF official website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter that the SFGp and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (Green Berets) conducted field training in United States in January to February 2023.[34][35][36][37]

On March 17, 2023, posted on the U.S. Army Green Berets 1st Special Forces Group(A) official Facebook and Instagram that the SFGp and 1st SFG(A) with United States Special Operations Command(USSOCOM) conducted joint training in February 2023.[38][39][40][41]

Formation
JGSDF SFGp commandos standing at parade rest during a 2007 ceremony.

According to a 2017 Gendai Ismedia article, the SFGp is reported to compose of the following:[42]

  • Commander (Led by a Colonel)
  • Executive Officers (Led by a Lieutenant Colonel)
  • Headquarters
    • 1st Department (General Affairs)
    • 2nd Department (Intelligence)
    • 3rd Department (Planning)
    • 4th Department (Supply)
  • Headquarters Administration Unit (Led by 3 Majors)
  • 1st SFGp Company[42]
  • 2nd SFGp Company[42]
  • 3rd SFGp Company[42]
  • Training Unit

Training

Potential recruits to the SFGp are drawn from Ranger-qualified JGSDF soldiers and paratroopers of the 1st Airborne Brigade.[43] The unit's passing rate is said to be at 3% due to demanding physical fitness qualifications aside from a recruit's ranger or airborne qualifications.[42]

SFGp operators are required to study English in order to be bilingual, although they are trained to learn other languages like Arabic, Chinese and Russian.[42]

When the first soldiers were recruited, there was an effort for them to have foreign training due to a lack of experience.[44] According to Takashi Araya, he had to train with the Green Berets in order to be familiarized with modern special forces concepts since those who are Ranger-trained and those who are in the SFGp are not different in terms of their training.[44] Others were given training by various private military contractors when they have free time in either the US or in the UK with their own money.[45]

The SFGp does joint exercises with the SAT.[46]

Weapons

Like the Special Forces of other countries, not only those listed here, but also all kinds of domestic and foreign small arms and equipment that are neither distributed nor disclosed to the general public are selected from catalogs and test samples for government agencies that are not open to the public, and are rumored to be procured in secret and in abundance through the ample budget or secret funds of the Japanese government. It is said that the unit is also characterized as a special operations and weapons/equipment development experimental unit, and there is a possibility that the results of equipment development experiments are fed back to the general units as well. (e.g. type 20 new rifle)

Personal Clothing and Equipment

Due to the nature of their missions, the Special Operations Group is equipped with a variety of combat clothing and equipment. Depending on the mission, they wear camouflage uniform Type 3, combat uniform for urban areas, multicam camouflage, etc. Private items and equipment from the U.S. military and other foreign militaries are also seen.

In addition to the camouflage uniforms deployed by regular units, unique equipment such as dark blue camouflage uniforms are also provided. According to Article 4, Paragraph 1 and Appendix 1 of the Detailed Regulations for Ground Self-Defense Force Personnel Dress (JGSDF Directive No. 24-8, February 28, 1968), combat uniforms are classified into general, aviation, airborne, armored, and urban wear, and urban combat uniforms may be worn "by SDF personnel in special operations groups (including those scheduled for deployment) when they are engaged in deployment, training, etc." In 2022, images released by the Australian Department of Defense and the Ministry of Defense's official social networking sites show Special Operations Group members wearing urban camouflage uniforms. (The image has since been removed from the official social networking sites.)
Worn according to the mission/operation. During the Japan-U.S. Joint Military Exercise "Keen Sword 23," personnel can be seen wearing multicam camouflage uniforms.
In addition to the camouflage uniforms, the ADF has a variety of multicam camouflage equipment, and images released by the Australian Department of Defense show Special Operations Group members wearing multicam camouflage first line (belt kits).
In an image released by the Australian Department of Defense, Special Operations Group personnel are wearing combat shirts similar in design to the Type 3 camouflage uniform.
  • Type 18 Bulletproof Vest
  • Bulletproof Vest Type 3 (modified)
  • FAST helmet
  • Type 88 iron cap type 2
It was confirmed at the Central Readiness Force Formation Completion Ceremony that the 1st Airborne Corps was equipped with a three-point chinstrap specification similar to the one used by the 1st Airborne Corps.
Purchased with FMS (Foreign Military sales) [60]. Images released by the Australian Department of Defense confirm that Special Operations Group personnel are equipped with this equipment.
Gloves made of various flame-retardant materials, gloves made of heat-resistant and abrasion-resistant materials

Assault rifles

Special Forces groups tend to be more diverse in their use of foreign rifles than the Japanese-made Type 89 and Type 20 rifles used by conventional units.

A statement by Tomoaki Iishiba, a U.S. Army captain indicted for exporting military-grade optical sights and other equipment to Japan without authorization from the U.S. government, revealed that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has purchased and adopted the M4 carbine [61]. It was also confirmed that the M4 carbine was purchased with FMS (Foreign Military Sales) in 2007 and 2008[60][62] along with the QDSS-NT4 suppressor and M203A2 grenade launcher.
It was procured as Special Rifle B and was confirmed to have been equipped by personnel aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk, as seen in images from a training exercise in Australia in 2022. At that time, they were observed using optical sights, laser modules, flashlights, PMAG and H&KGEN3 magazines, etc.
The latest Type 20, which have advanced features such as telescopic gun beds and ambi structures and have greatly improved rust prevention, drainage performance and scalability, are preferentially deployed.
The Type 89F, converted to a folding stock type suitable for close-range combat and urban combat, is deployed. The Type 89F is equipped by airborne troops, tank soldiers, reconnaissance soldiers, and armored infantry in addition to the special operations group.

Battle Rifles
Public Notice for Central Procurement" under the title of "Technical Assistance" in the information on the public call for applications of the Supply Control Headquarters.

Sub-machine guns

Machinegun

It is used to support troops, and depending on the mission, it can be mounted on a tripod, bipod, vehicle such as a Komatsu light armored vehicle , helicopter such as CH-47JA and UH-60JA, or aircraft and fired.

A Type 62 tripod can be mounted, and a night vision device for close range aiming, or "direct aiming glasses" may be mounted for long range shooting.
In addition to operation with a tripod mounted, it is installed on a special mount for position defense and use as an anti-aircraft firearm. Also mounted on vehicles, helicopters and aircraft.
It is mounted on UH-60JA and CH-47JA for operation.

Sniper rifles
Used with the M24A2 in joint training with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command during the "FY2022 FOIP (Free and Open Indo-Pacific Intervention Program)" held from January to February 2023.

Shotguns

Pistols

Pistols are highly concealable and, like Sub-machine guns,are highly portable and can be easily maneuvered indoors or in other confined spaces. They are also used for assassination and sabotage operations with suppressors and other equipment when the user's identity is concealed, such as when working as an agent and cannot be equipped with rifles or other weapons.

In addition to the main body, a suppressor and optical sight are deployed[68].(Reportedly a Tactical version as they're used with suppressors)
Carried in a leg holster (Safariland 6004) when appearing before the press at the Central Readiness Force formation completion ceremony on March 31, 2007.

Attachment

Personal equipment and equipment purchased with FMS (Foreign Military Sales) can be seen.

Missiles・Rocket launcher

Grenades and mines
Procurement of Type 1 flash-pitched sounding canisters and multi-stage flash-pitched sounding canisters has been confirmed.
  • Type 92 anti-tank mines

Other Equipment.

In addition to conventional combat, the Special Operations Group conducts special warfare such as Counterterrorism operations and mountain warfare, and is therefore equipped with a number of special personal effects tailored to its missions.

The procurement of baton holsters has been confirmed. The Central Readiness Regiment, the Maritime Self-Defense Force Entry Inspection Unit, and the Police Force are also equipped with special baton holsters.
IFAK (Individual First Aid Kid), etc. In general, due to the nature of their missions, special forces units are equipped with more advanced and sophisticated first aid equipment than the general forces.
  • Multi-tool, survival knife
  • Renzatic compass
  • Tactical light (flashlight)
  • Binoculars, etc.
  • Various sensors, drones, and other reconnaissance and information gathering equipment
  • Various field communications equipment (satellite communications equipment, etc.)
  • GPS navigation equipment (Garmin, etc.)
  • Portable explosive detection equipment 2
  • Chemical agent detectors
  • CR detectors
  • Unit dosimeters
  • Dosimeter type 3
  • Company Dose Rate Meter Type 3
  • Portable Dosimeter Set
  • Portable Weather Meter
  • Rebreather (CCR)

Vehicles
A published photo of the unit's building reveals that it possesses a Type 73 Medium Truck and a Type 73 Heavy Truck[69].
The reconnaissance motorcycle is capable of airborne drop and airborne transport using a high-altitude air-drop system (CADS). U.S. Special Forces are also equipped with these vehicles.
  • Bulletproof raid support vehicle
Special Forces of various countries have this vehicle. Japanese police special forces also have them.
The Amphibious Task Force, 1st Airborne Brigade, and Special Operations Group possess these vehicles. The Maritime Self-Defense Force has adopted 11-meter class RHIBs under the name of Special Boat (SB), which are equipped by the Special Security Forces. General units are equipped with rubber boats for reconnaissance.
Bulletproof and equipped with an armory. Mimicking civilian vehicles.
  • Personal vehicles of members of the unit
Individual troopers' vehicles may also be modified to be equipped with robust weapons magazines to prevent seizure, and may be loaded with weapons and equipment for action.

Equipment

The SFGp has access to equipment used by the JGSDF, such as the Komatsu LAVs and Toyota Koukidoushas for transport and reconnaissance use. They also work in conjunction with the 1st Helicopter Brigade to provide mobility support, though they can be also deployed via C-130 Hercules aircraft.[54]

SFGp operators are known to wear camo uniforms when operating in urbanized areas.[55]

Unit features

As part of regulating and protecting the identities of the various soldiers serving in the SFGp, their faces are hidden in balaclavas and cannot be revealed except with authorization from their commanding officers.[4][43][56] SFGp officers are exempted from the rule.[57]

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Miscellaneous notes
  1. ^ Companies of the Japanese Special Forces Group are under the command of a Major.
  2. ^ Company HQ and the platoons under it are also found within the 2nd and 3rd SOG companies.
  3. ^ Commanded by a Lieutenant.

Bibliography
  • Neville, Leigh (2019). The Elite: The A–Z of Modern Special Operations Forces. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1472824295.
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