MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni residents advanced their knowledge on recent changes made to Japan’s defense laws and the effects it could have on U.S. and Japan operations during the Legislation for Peace and Security professional military education here, March 11, 2016.
In 2015, the Japanese government changed their stance on the use of military force with a group of new laws and amendments known as the “Legislation for Peace and Security.”
The legislation expands the authority of Japanese forces, their ability to protect the civilian population, allows them to use force to rescue Japanese nationals, and allows them to come to the defense of allies in danger.
This change of policy gives Japan the capability to take a more proactive stance in matters that may threaten Japan, its citizens, and its allies.
The PME enlightened the service members on the Japanese military’s new posture so they may gain a better understanding of the evolving dynamics between the two forces and their future in joint operations.
The PME split for two audiences. The first was open to all who desired to attend, both civilian and military, and the second for staff non-commissioned officers and officers only.
Msahiro Kurosaki, professor at the Japan National Defense Academy, led the first discussion and spoke about the new legislation and how it will redefine Japan’s use of force.
“Why is our military changing?” asked Kurosaki. “Because we want to help defend the United States. Our constitution, however, only allows us to do so much. The government of Japan is making amendments to help our allies and better allow us to defend our country.”
Lt. Col. Jason Perry, military liaison officer with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, led the second period of instruction assisted by Kurosaki and Air Force Col. Derek Grimes, staff judge advocate for United States Forces Japan.
“This is stuff not a lot of people know about,” said Perry. “Over the years, the Japanese legislature has gone through many increments to bring us to where we’re at today.”
Col. Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of MCAS Iwakuni, said the presentation held valuable insight and will help develop the bond between the U.S. and Japan.
“We need to understand these changes on the Japanese side to strengthen our relationship,” said Boucher. “This helped my understanding of the situation and I hope it helped everyone else as well.”