Japan's military activated its first marine unit since World War II - here's how they're training to recapture an island from enemy invaders

David Choi

Apr 8, 2018, 02:07 IST

Japan's military activated its first marine unit since World War II - here's how they're training to recapture an island from enemy invaders

Issei Kato/Reuters

A member of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB).

Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Japan's unified military command, activated its first marine component since World War II and conducted a training exercise on Friday.

Dubbed the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, or ARDB, the newly formed group displayed their ability to repel and recapture islands from other occupying forces.

The subject of an autonomous, combatant military command is a sensitive subject, given that following World War II, the nation renounced its right to wage war and disbanded its army. In the post-war era, Japanese forces have typically been reserved to natural disaster relief and peacekeeping missions.

However, China's "unilateral escalation" in the East China Sea and North Korea's provocations have spurred many Japanese officials to reinterpret the country's pacifist history and address the emerging threats in recent years.

Check out Japan's latest marine addition to its Self-Defense Forces:

ARDB is Japan's first amphibious warfare brigade since World War II, comprised of around 2,100 troops.

A recent 20-minute exercise showed how Japanese forces would recapture an island from invaders.

Japan has been at odds with China over the control of remote, uninhabited islands on the East China Sea. The dispute has strained ties between the two countries due to the potential economic value — such as oil and gas reserves, shipping lanes, and fishing grounds — in the area.

"Given the increasingly difficult defense and security situation surrounding Japan, defense of our islands has become a critical mandate," Japan vice defense minister Tomohiro Yamamoto said in a speech.

The ARDB was reportedly modeled after the US Marine Corps' Marine Expeditionary Units and received advice from US liaisons.

The ARDB is expected to be upgraded to around 3,000 troops, 17 V-22 Ospreys, and 52 Amphibious Assault Vehicles.

Although countries like China greatly outspend Japan in defense spending, some analysts believe Japan's armed forces could "stand toe to toe with anybody."

"The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade will show to the international society our firm resolve to defend our islands," a senior Defense Ministry official reportedly said.

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