Support System for Activities in the Field

Support Provided by the International peace Cooperation Headquarters

SDF units and other personnel dispatched to UN Peacekeeping Operations, International Humanitarian Relief Operations, and International Election Observation Operations must often work in challenging conditions. Therefore, with the cooperation of other ministries and agencies, the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters of the Cabinet Office provides those involved in such operations with pre-departure orientations regarding the International Peace Cooperation Law, the nature of their assignments, and the countries to which they will be assigned, including basic language training and safety measures.

In addition, with regard to the dispatch of personnel and units, the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters sends liaison and coordination personnel to conduct on-site liaison and coordination with local government authorities, relevant agencies, and others.

Pre-departure guidance

Assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Overseas Diplomatic Establishments

In connection with International Peace Cooperation Assignments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas diplomatic establishments collect and analyze information on the local political situation and law and order, provide information to units and other personnel to enable them to perform their duties smoothly and safely, and organize publicity campaigns toward foreign media.

Support Provided by the Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces

Cambodia
The maritime transport and supply unit dispatched to Cambodia comprised two transport ships and one supply ship from the Maritime Self-Defense Force. It was mobilized when SDF units and other personnel were dispatched to Cambodia. The maritime unit provided food, lodging, and sea transport for SDF engineer units, as well as transport of their equipment. The Air Self-Defense Force provided six C-130H transport planes to transport SDF engineer units and their vehicles. The planes were also used for weekly flights for about a year to airlift supplies and other materials to the engineer units.

Mozambique
Air Self-Defense Force C-130H transport planes airlifted food and other supplies from Japan at the end of 1993 to support staff officers and movement control units.

Golan Heights
Since May 1996 the Air Self-Defense Force has provided a U-4 or a C-130H transport plane to airlift food and other supplies from Japan to support the transport units and staff officers in the Golan Heights every six months or so.

Indonesia
In December 1999 Japan airlifted supplies to Indonesia for East Timorese displaced persons using Air Self-Defense Force C-130H transport planes to support the displaced persons relief unit.

East Timor
To assist the engineer units and staff officers dispatched to East Timor starting from February 2002, the Maritime Self-Defense Force transport ship Osumi and escort ship Mineyuki and six Air Self-Defense Force C-130H transport planes transported engineer units and some of their equipment. About twice a year, C-130H transport planes flew in food supplies for the engineers and staff officers.

Loading a C-130H transport plane with supplies

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