US to Grant Operational Command Authority to Forces in Japan
The United States plans to grant operational command authority to its forces stationed in Japan, aiming to bolster coordination with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF). This move signifies a significant shift in the USFJ's role, transitioning from primarily managing bases and troops to actively participating in operational planning and troop movements.
This decision comes in response to the SDF's plans to establish a joint operations command for its ground, maritime, and air branches by next spring. The restructured USFJ will serve as the counterpart to this joint command, facilitating closer collaboration in operational planning and troop operations.
Previously, the USFJ lacked operational command authority, relying on the US Indo-Pacific Command based in Hawaii. This geographical distance posed challenges in coordinating effectively with the SDF.
The agreement to strengthen coordination between the SDF and USFJ in command-and-control operations was reached in April by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden. The US military's advanced intelligence capabilities and equipment necessitate careful consideration for Japan to maintain the independence of its operational command authority while pursuing closer collaboration with the US military.