1st Airborne Brigade (Japan)

1st Airborne Brigade JGSDF 1st Airborne Brigade.svg 1st Airborne Brigade Shoulder Sleeve Patch Japan Airborne forces Japan June 25, 1958 – present Ground Component Command (陸上総隊) 1,900 soldiers Maj. Gen. Yoshitaka Ishihara (MAR 2025) Camp Narashino, Funabashi, Chiba Narashino Airborne Brigade, 1AB The Matchless Elite Second To None 精鋭無比 Iraq War Hayao Kinugasa Yoshifumi Hibako Satoshi Mizuno Yosihiko Doi Ken'ichi Kinomura Shizuo Sekine The 1st Airborne Brigade 第1空挺団 Dai-Ichi Kūtei Dan, also known as the Narashino Airborne Brigade 習志野空挺団,http://www.herbertholeman.com/para/units/japan.php The First Airborne Brigade Herbert Holeman 2000 2013-06-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20121215045335/http://herbertholeman.com/para/units/japan.php 2012-12-15 is stationed in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Camp Narashino in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture.http://www.usc.edu/libraries/archives/dsjp/summaries/1999/October/Sm991025.htm "Guide unit" established in GSDF to transport and escort Japanese nationals overseas in times of emergency United States of America Embassy in Japan 2013-06-15 1999-10-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20121009084528/http://www.usc.edu/libraries/archives/dsjp/summaries/1999/October/Sm991025.htm 2012-10-09dead Japan Ground Self-Defense Force mod.go.jp https://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/crforganization/crforgindex.html Central Readiness Force Organization https://web.archive.org/web/20130124061242/http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/crforganization/crforgindex.html January 24, 2013 The Brigade serves as Japan's elite paratrooper unit meant to counter against enemy airborne forces units, commandos, guerrilla warfare, and irregular military units.What is the CRF（Central Readiness Force）？ http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/crfmission/crfmissionindex.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130124061112/http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/Englishv/crfmission/crfmissionindex.html 24 January 2013 12 January 2022 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force mod.go.jphttps://www.joint-forces.com/features/15440-paratrooper-focus-japan-ground-self-defence-force Paratrooper Focus ~ Japan Ground Self-Defence Force Joint Forces News 2 July 2018 Since 1999, the Brigade has a Guide Unit 誘導隊 Yūdō-tai, serving as its NEO (Non-combatant Evacuation Operations) unit. Currently, they are attached to current homeland defense and international combat operations under the JGSDF's Ground Component Command (ja 陸上総隊) (formerly under the Central Readiness Force).2019-09-26 2018-03-27 ja ja:神奈川）陸自の中央即応集団が廃止 座間駐屯地に５年 Kanagawa) GSDF's central ready group abolished in Zama station for 5 years https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASL3V25YJL3VULOB001.html asahi.com 2022-07-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20220711191726/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASL3V25YJL3VULOB001.html dead History thumb|left|250px|1st Airborne Brigade paratroopers in formation in the grounds of Camp Narashino. In 1958, the Airborne Brigade's first platoon was formed after Hayao Kinugasa was made the first commander of the unit. It continued to increase in numbers as ranger and free-fall training were added in 1962 and 1969.https://archive.today/20051201110156/http://www5f.biglobe.ne.jp/~sbu/DATABASE-JAPAN.htm Unofficial Japanese Special Forces Page. – Internet Archive Link. Retrieved on December 12, 2007. ja An additional armed transport unit was established in 1973. In 1985, the 1st Airborne Brigade was involved in rescue operations of the downed Japan Air Lines Flight 123 in the ridges of Mount Takamagahara in Gunma Prefecture after the local volunteer fire corps found some survivors,http://www.japantimes.co.jp/2004/06/29/uncategorized/sdf-profile-upgraded-as-anniversary-approaches/#.UbvbR5yfWSo SDF profile upgraded as anniversary approaches Nao Simoyachi The Japan Times 2004-06-29 2013-06-15 marking the first time that the Brigade was seen in the public eye. Later on, they were also deployed in Yamanashi Prefecture for civil operations and after the Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in 1995. A Guide Unit was established on October 20, 1999, and based at Funabashi, Chiba. Preparations to create a new special forces unit went underway in the Brigade in 2000. In 2003, the framework of the Special Operations Group was established as an anti-guerrilla/terrorist unit embedded in the Brigade, but was established and separated from the Brigade in 2004 and placed under the control of the Defense Agency via the JGSDF like most of the JSDF's special forces units. Brigade paratroopers were involved in Iraq as the Brigade rotated ground personnel as part of the Japanese government's commitment to Iraq. They were withdrawn alongside the bulk of the Japanese Iraqi Reconstruction Support Group in the middle of 2006. The brigade was added to the Central Readiness Force on March 28, 2007.https://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/organization.html Central Readiness Force 2008-01-10 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070613142413/http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/crf/pa/organization.html 2007-06-13 On October 9, 2006, members of the Oregon National Guard had a hand in assisting soldiers of the 1st Airborne Brigade in establishing a sniper school to train the unit's first generation of highly skilled snipers during Orient Shield '07.https://web.archive.org/web/20120318072523/http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/AGPA/docs/115Mpad/Orient_Shield.pdf http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/AGPA/docs/115Mpad/Orient_Shield.pdf Japanese sniper school The Observation Post 2006-10-19 2013-06-15 2012-03-18 Staff Sergeant Russel Bassett In March 2018, the brigade was integrated into the Ground Component Command after the Central Readiness Force was disbanded. On March 4, 2020, the brigade recruited Sergeant Reina Hashiba Reina Hashiba d Reina Hashiba Q131613993, the first female paratrooper who passed selection process.https://mainichi.jp/articles/20200304/k00/00m/040/175000c 初の女性空挺隊員誕生へ 陸自の精鋭"狭き門" 「すごくかっこいい」憧れを実現 毎日新聞https://www.sankei.com/photo/story/news/200304/sty2003040002-n1.html 女性初の空挺団員誕生 陸自精鋭、習志野で修了式 - 読んで見フォト - 産経フォト During the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan, the brigade has conducted protective measures by letting its paratroopers wear facemasks and limiting the presence of spectators with its first exercise on January 13, 2021.陸上自衛隊 パラシュート降下訓練はじめ 防衛相も視察 | 自衛隊 | NHKニュース In June 2025, the brigade was issued maroon berets.https://armsweb.jp/report/6251.html Scandals Firearms handling In 1994, Colonel Yasunobu Hideshima was arrested by JGSDF military police officers for violating both the Self-Defense Forces Law and the Firearm and Sword Control Law when he allowed three of his friends to use JGSDF firearms without prior authorization.http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2000/03/17/national/gsdf-crime-coverup-alleged/ GSDF crime coverup alleged 2000-03-17 2013-06-15 The Japan Times Lieutenant Colonels Yoshiharu Amano and Michihiko Suzuki were suspended for 20 days for neglect of duty.http://www.japantimes.co.jp/2000/04/28/announcements/colonel-fired-in-gun-misuse-coverup Colonel fired in gun misuse coverup 2000-04-17 2013-06-15 The Japan Times Iraq War Another scandal emerged from within the unit when a 38-year-old 1st Airborne Brigade paratrooper was arrested in Inzai, Chiba Prefecture for shoplifting. He admitted to officers that he did it to demonstrate that he was serious in his effort to avoid deployment to Iraq.http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2006/02/22/national/gsdf-sergeant-shoplifts-to-avoid-iraq-mission/#.Ub2yL33LfK4 GSDF sergeant shoplifts to avoid Iraq mission? 2006-02-22 2013-06-16 The Japan Times https://web.archive.org/web/20140514060026/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2006/02/22/national/gsdf-sergeant-shoplifts-to-avoid-iraq-mission/#.Ub2yL33LfK4 2014-05-14 live When JGSDF officials heard about this, they told press officials that they require the consent of the troopers and their relatives. Otherwise, they would not be deployed. The Iraq deployment had caused a national debate in Japan, and a new public consensus was necessary for the military to develop a modern role and structure. Assault A brigade paratrooper was disciplined for bringing a lighter to the dorms at Camp Narashino when it was used to burn the feet of his two juniors.https://www.chibanippo.co.jp/news/national/679120 ３隊員懲戒処分 後輩男性に暴行 船橋の陸自 千葉日報オンライン Requirements thumb|250px|right|Komatsu LAV (Light Armored Vehicle) on display with 1st Airborne Brigade markings. Before joining the 1st Airborne Brigade, all potential candidates must be able to pass the following requirements:https://rikuzi-chousadan.com/bg_yougo/bouei_gunzi_ta.html Join the Brigade on or under 28 if a private; otherwise NCOs (usually Sergeants) must join on or under 36 years of age. Have at least the standard weight and height of 49 kg and 161 cm with chest measurements at 78.5 cm Lung capacity of at least 3,200 cm3 or more Have no criminal record Have the following points from his time in the JGSDF: 5 classes or more, 1st method above various eye minimum of 45 points Airborne system has been above each minimum of 60 points of 5 items such as suspension stopping jump from aircraft. Must be able to lift objects at 30 kg, under, and above for 50 s Blood pressure must be at 140mmHg~100mmHg and 90mmHg to candidates who are 34 years old or less. Ranger qualification 1AB paratroopers receive ranger qualification at part of their training. The Ranger badge is highly sought by active duty JSDF personnel. Structure thumb|right|350px|JGSDF 1st Airborne Brigade organization right|thumb|250px|JGSDF 1st Airborne Brigade Battalion Type flag. right|thumb|250px|Members of the 1st Airborne Brigade who participated in the Cobra Gold exercise (2012) The brigade's structure is as follows:https://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/1abnb/leader/index.html Biographies - Major General Kimihito Iwamura www.mod.go.jp 12 January 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20150110122617/https://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/1abnb/leader/index.html 10 January 2015 dead 25px 1st Airborne Brigade, in Funabashi Brigade Headquarters Company, in Funabashi Reconnaissance Platoon Pathfinders Platoon 1st Infantry Battalion (Airborne), in Funabashi Headquarters Company Reconnaissance Platoon Anti-tank Platoon Signals Platoon 1st Infantry Company 2nd Infantry Company 3rd Infantry Company 2nd Infantry Battalion (Airborne), in Funabashi Headquarters Company Reconnaissance Platoon Anti-tank Platoon Signals Platoon 4th Infantry Company 5th Infantry Company 6th Infantry Company 3rd Infantry Battalion (Airborne), in Funabashi Headquarters Company Reconnaissance Platoon Anti-tank Platoon Signals Platoon 7th Infantry Company 8th Infantry Company 9th Infantry Company Airborne Artillery Battalion, in Funabashi Headquarters Battery 1st Battery, with F1 120 mm mortars 2nd Battery, with F1 120 mm mortars 3rd Battery, with F1 120 mm mortars Signals Company, in Funabashi Engineer Company, in Funabashi Airborne Training Unit, in Funabashi Logistic Support Battalion, in Funabashi Headquarters Company Supply Platoon Medical Platoon Maintenance Company Parachute Maintenance Company Weapons Standard weapons are from the JGSDF, including:http://www.hyperdouraku.com/event/jgsdf1st1001/index.html ja:平成22年 習志野 第1空挺団 降下訓練始め 2010-04-23 Japanese Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces https://web.archive.org/web/20130815035659/http://hyperdouraku.com/event/jgsdf1st1001/index.html 2013-08-15 Howa Type 89-F (Para) rifle SIG Sauer P220 pistol Minebea PM-9 submachine gun Remington M24 sniper rifle Sumitomo Heavy Industries M249 LMG Toshiba Type 91 Mobile SAM launcher Kawasaki Type 01 LMAT, a man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile Deployment Local thumb|right|250px|1st Airborne Brigade paratroopers fast rope from a Kawasaki CH-47 chopper during a public exhibition at Camp Narashino. 1st Airborne Brigade paratroopers have only been seen in action through annual new year JSDF exhibition shows in Narashino.https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3643292/wings-of-unity-us-international-airborne-forces-soar-in-annual-new-years-jump/ Wings of Unity: US, international airborne forces soar in annual New Year's Jump Pacific Air Forces 2024-01-29 2024-01-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20240129054232/https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3643292/wings-of-unity-us-international-airborne-forces-soar-in-annual-new-years-jump/ dead On January 8, 2023, the 1st Airborne Brigade conducted its first parachute drop training of the year joined by paratrooper units from the US, British and Australian armies in the Narashino training area in Chiba Prefecture. A total of 300 personnel participated in the drill involving a scenario where they recaptured an island occupied by enemy forces. Members of the brigade parachuted down to the ground as part of the drill. Overseas 170 paratroopers were sent to Samawah, Iraq as part of the JGSDF's commitment to the international effort. Training was conducted for a short time in a joint exercise with American soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment.Oregon Guard Soldiers Train Japanese Troops for Deployment to Iraq. Retrieved on December 12, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20130419151931/http://www.salem-news.com/articles/october172006/japan_guard_101706.php April 19, 2013 All of them were withdrawn following the end of the Japanese commitment in Iraq. Notable personnel Akihiko Saitohttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4589041.stm Japanese hostage confirmed dead British Broadcasting Corporation 2013-06-15 2005-05-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20140512230030/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4589041.stm 2014-05-12 Keisuke Itagakihttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-08-15/baki-itagaki-to-draw-new-1st-airborne-brigade-manga Baki's Itagaki to Draw New 1st Airborne Brigade Manga Anime News Network 2013-06-15 2012-08-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20140225124156/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-08-15/baki-itagaki-to-draw-new-1st-airborne-brigade-manga 2014-02-25 Yasunobu Hideshima Nakamura Morioka Notes External links 1st Airborne Brigade Official Webpage ja 1st Airborne Brigade Exhibition Page 1st Airborne Brigade Unofficial Information page from its training research group Category:Airborne infantry brigades Category:Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Brigade Category:Military units and formations established in 1958 Category:1958 establishments in Japan Category:Airborne units and formations of Japan Category:Japan in the Iraq War