Japan's GSDF undergoes biggest realignment amid controversy

TOKYO, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) on Tuesday underwent its largest realignment since its founding, with the establishment of a unified command as well as new amphibious forces.

The GSDF launched on Tuesday the Ground Component Command (GCC) to provide unified command over its regional armies and the newly-established Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.

Japan's GSDF, established as part of the Self-Defense Forces in 1954, previously had no central headquarters but five regional armies, each operating under its own commanding generals and following orders from the defense minister.

The newly set-up GCC, while providing unified command over all the GSDF units across the nation, also triggered concerns amid bitter memories of the prewar Imperial Japanese Army, which, with concentrated power, intervened in politics and played a key role in pushing Japan towards military aggression against its neighbors.

Also on Tuesday, the GSDF launched its first full-scale amphibious operations unit, which has been called the Japanese version of the U.S. Marines.

According to the GSDF, the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, with around 2,100 members, would be tasked with retaking islands.

The brigade, based at Camp Ainoura in Nagasaki prefecture, however, is still in need of a base to place the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft which, while playing a key role in the transportation of troops, have caused many safety concerns.

A GSDF helicopter crash in Saga prefecture in February has made the government's initial plan to deploy the Ospreys at Saga airport difficult to carry on due to strong opposition from the local people. Enditem