Central Readiness Force

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On March 31, 2007, the Central Readiness Force had held its formal ceremony at the JGSDF's Asaka base in Nerima, Tokyo, which included guests such as Fumio Kyuma and Josho Yamaguchi, the former presiding over the formal establishment of the CRF. [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/greetings.html Central Readiness Force Greetings Page.] Retrieved on April 1, 2007. ja icon]

The CRF went to be deployed in its first civil disaster mission to quell wildfires in the forests of the Yamanashi Prefecture on April 29, 2007 with the 1st Helicopter Brigade being deployed after its integration to the force. [ [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/topics/1904/190402/topics1index.html 山梨県甲州市勝沼町山林火災災害派遣.] Retrieved on January 9, 2008. ja icon]

The CRF had conducted a military exercise on October 31, 2007 with its subordinate units participating in a wider range of scenarios from anti-NBC cleanup to personnel transportation and evacuation. [ [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/topics/1911/191101/newpage1006.html 中央即応集団演習開始.] Retrieved on January 9, 2008. ja icon]

6 of its officers left for Nepal as participants of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN). Prior to arriving in the country, they were not allowed to engage against Maoist rebels due to Article 9 regulations except for self-defense [ [http://www.japantoday.com/jp/news/402360 SDF officers arrive in Nepal for U.N. mission.] Retrieved on April 1, 2007.] . They have returned on March 31, 2008.

Staff

List of Commanders

List of Chiefs of Staff

List of Vice Chiefs of Staff

tructure

The structure of the CRF has been created with the following established for its headquarters:

Chain of Command

* Commander (Lieutenant General)
** Deputy Commander for Domestic Operations (Major General)
** Deputy Commander for International Operations (Major General)
* Chief of Staff (Colonel)
* Vice Chief of Staff (2 officers with rank of Colonel)

Divisions

* Personnel
* Intelligence
* Defense Plans & Operations
* Logistics
* Administration
* Accounting
* Communications
* National Welfare

Personnel

* Reporting Officer
* Army Surgeon
* Inspector
* Law Officer
* Staff Manager
* Adjutant

Formation

Current

* Headquarters - Asaka, Nerima, Tokyo with 230 personnel
** 1st Airborne Brigade - Narashino, Chiba with 1,900 personnel
** Central Readiness Regiment - Utsunomiya with 700 personal
** Special Operations Group - Narashino, Chiba with 300 personnel
** 1st Helicopter Brigade - Kisarazu, Chiba with 900 personnel
** 101st NBC Protection Unit - Ōmiya-ku, Saitama with 155 personnel
** Anti-NBC Medical Unit - Asaka with 70 personnel
** International Peace Cooperation Activities Training Unit - Camp Komakado, Shizuoka with 80 personnel

ymbols

The following are represented in the insignia and patch of the Central Readiness Force:

CRF Insignia

:Japanese Archipelago and Red Circle surrounding it - CRF's mandate to operate in Japanese soil. [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/aboutlogo/aboutlogoindex.html CRF insignia and symbol.] Retrieved on January 11, 2008.]

:Laurel - Hope for a successful mission. [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/aboutlogo/aboutlogoindex.html CRF insignia and symbol.] Retrieved on January 11, 2008.]

:Purple Shadow - CRF's joint cooperation with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces. [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/aboutlogo/aboutlogoindex.html CRF insignia and symbol.] Retrieved on January 11, 2008.]

The insignia symbolizes the CRF's mandate to operate in Japanese soil. [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/aboutlogo/aboutlogoindex.html CRF insignia and symbol.] Retrieved on January 11, 2008.]

CRF Patch

:Globe - CRF's mandate to operate anywhere around the world. [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/aboutlogo/aboutlogoindex.html CRF insignia and symbol.] Retrieved on January 11, 2008.]

:Cherry Blossoms - CRF's commanding officer. [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/aboutlogo/aboutlogoindex.html CRF insignia and symbol.] Retrieved on January 11, 2008.]

:Red Circle - Japan. [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/aboutlogo/aboutlogoindex.html CRF insignia and symbol.] Retrieved on January 11, 2008.]

The patch symbolizes the CRF's mandate to operate in foreign territory as a representative of Japan in Peacekeeping missions. [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/aboutlogo/aboutlogoindex.html CRF insignia and symbol.] Retrieved on January 11, 2008.]

Future Plan

Under future plans to unify cooperation between Japan and the United States, the Central Readiness Force's headquarters will eventually be transferred out to Camp Zama by the year 2012 [ [http://search.hankooki.com/times/times_view.php?term=washington%2C+tokyo+near+unified+command++&path=hankooki3/times/lpage/200609/kt2006090518090668040.htm&media=kt Washington, Tokyo near unified command.] Retrieved on April 2, 2007.] [ [http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=31857&archive=true Local opposition is certain even if Camp Zama expansion is not.] Retrieved on December 12, 2007.] . This would be done for the US military and the JSDF to operate with improved interoperability. [ [http://www.afcea.org/signal/articles/anmviewer.asp?a=1214&print=yes Pacific Army Forces Push Readiness.] Retrieved on December 12, 2007.]

References

External links

* [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/ Official Page] ja icon
* [http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/framepage2.html Official Page] en icon