Japanese Defence Force: 2300AD

Ground Forces

General Order of Battle

Edward Lipsett and D Hebditch

Introduction

The Japanese Defence Force's ground elements have a fairly complicated organisation and are composed of several different organisations operating on differing establishments. It includes troops from the Japanese Home Islands, the Philippines, Micronesia and the colonies. Although relatively small these forces are well trained, superbly equipped and have an excellent reputation from the Central Asian War.

Narrative

Gochou Kitahara Mitsuru of the 4/1st Marine Airborne Regiment was sweating slightly, cradled inside the hard shell of his Type-3 Combat Walker. Kitahara preferred to doze during the long flight in with the external sensors turned off, he couldn't abide simply lying looking at the interior of the drop plane. The Navy pilots liked to stay as low as possible approaching the combat area, and his nausea and fear was lessened by not having to look outside.

The small red light began to flash at the corner of his HUD and Kitahara snapped to. He quickly ran through the diagnostics and checks, the Type-3 showing green lights across the board. He brought the external sensors fully up, revealing the scene inside the cargo bay with riggers checking the palletised Type-3s and their accompanying paratroopers helping each other to stand under their heavy loads. Kitahara opened the tactical datalink to the drop plane's combat systems, and information flooded in. The three-ship formation was on its run into the drop zone and looking for targets.

Seconds later the plane shook dramatically as it vectored engine thrust and reconfigured its wings for a slow pass. The noise of the doors opening was drowned by the engine roar and the data feed dropped, telling Kitahara the green light was coming soon. He braced just in time, the drogue snapped the pallet out of the rear door, and the full chute was open an instant later. The was an all-too-brief view of the bright clear sky and then the pallet impacted with crushing force.

Kitahara triggered the charges that cut the straps and brought the Type-3 to its feet, scanning the surrounding area. The Namibian desert drop zone was covered in parachutes, running marines and combat walkers festooned with straps and other detritus from the drop pallets. Of the planes there was no sign, but to Kitahara it seemed that the company had successfully deployed straight from Japan. To some, this sort of exercise was obsolete, but it was exactly the same technique the regiment had used successfully in Central Asia and rumours were some Europeans were using it against the Kafers.

Shots rang out. The enemy, helpfully played by the Azanian army, had arrived. Kitahara stopped daydreaming and started looking for targets.

Index

Command Organisation
Imperial Defence Force
Marines
Home Islands Militia
Maps
Philippines Defence Force
Micronesia Defence Force
Colonial Defence Forces

Amaterasu
Tosashimizu
Aoki
Miscellaneous Units
Overseas Deployments

Command Organisation

The Japanese military has a fairly convoluted organisational system. The pinnacle is the Federal Chiefs of Staff, responsible for the overall co-ordination of the armed forces of the Federation. In theory all military forces including the Imperial Defence Force, Philipines Defence Force, Micronesia Defence Force and Amaterasu Colonial Defence Force are answerable to the FCS. The FCS concerns itself with relations between the forces and maintaining common procedures, doctrines and equipment. The FCS has the role of co-ordinating mutual defence in times of war. However the FCS has no tactical operations staff and the conduct of operations is left to one of the subsidiary forces, usually the IDF.

The Chair of the FCS is usually a General or Fleet Admiral from the IDF, however they are normally junior to the commander of the IDF who carries the same rank. The FCS Committee includes representatives from the PDF, MDF and from each of the CDFs. The IDF is represented by appointees from ground, air, naval and space forces.

The IDF has its own Imperial Chiefs of Staff Committee. This body has a Chairman and representatives from the ground, air, naval and space arms as well as lower ranked representatives of the Medical and Intelligence Commands and the Lion Guard and Aoki and Tosashimizu CDFs. The ICS has its own strategic and tactical command staffs and a fully staffed operational centre which can co-ordinate global operations. Most Japanese operations on Terra are run from this facility. The PDF and CDFs all have their own Staffs, as does the tiny MDF. However these bodies are predominantly bureaucratic rather than tactical in nature.

INDEX

Imperial Defence Force

The Imperial Defence Force is comprised of six main forces: the ground forces, the Navy and the Air Force. The Colonial Defence Forces of Tosashimizu and Aoki also fall under the administrative aegis of the IDF but are dealt with in their own section. This part of the article deals with the two main elements of the ground forces of the IDF; the Marines and the Home Island Militia.

Japan's regular army was disbanded in 2256 following the Miyazaki Incident. The bulk of its hardware and capabilities, along with many of its personnel, were incorporated into the marines or Colonial Defence Forces at that time. The Home Island Militia assumed its current form during the Central Asian War to insure the defence of the Home Islands. The building block of the IDF, like the other defence forces, is the brigade sized Regiment. The regiment normally contain 5 combat battalions and consequently they lack only a little combat power when compared with a French Division.

Marines

The marines are responsible for expeditionary operations and are the front line of Japan's defences. The marines number just over 100 000 personnel and are highly trained and excellently equipped. Indeed Japanese marines have a very long training period and are regarded as some of the most comprehensively trained soldiers anywhere. It was the marines who spearheaded Japan's intervention in the Central Asian War, reinforcing their formidable reputation. They are primarily intervention troops and have relatively limited combat endurance. Japan usually calls upon reinforcements from the PDF to back up the marines of the IDF.

The marines operate predominantly at the regimental level although three divisional HQs exist. Although units are assigned to each division in peacetime on mobilisation for expeditionary operations a single divisional HQ would be nominated as the operational HQ and would take under command a mix of regiments depending on the task. The 1st and 2nd Imperial Divisions are nominated as the primary reaction HQs whilst the 3rd Division has a reserve component and would normally remain in the Home Islands.

1st Imperial Division 'Sekigahara' (Kushiro)

4th Marine Armoured Regiment (Kushiro, Hokkaido)

1st Marine Infantry Regiment (Kushiro, Hokkaido)

7th Marine Infantry Regiment (Toyohara, Karafuto) (mountain ops)

2nd Imperial Division 'Hakata' (Sendai)

2nd Marine Armored Regiment (Sendai)

9th Marine Armored Regiment (Nagano)

6th Marine Infantry Regiment (elements deployed to CAR) (Iwakuni)

3rd Imperial Division 'Kawanakajima' (Kumamoto)

5th Marine Independent Regiment (Kumamoto)

8th Marine Independent Regiment (deployed Masbate) (Shizuoka)

1st Marine Airborne Regiment (deployed FER) (Iruma)

3rd Marine Airborne Regiment (Kumamoto)

10th Marine Reserve Infantry Regiment (Toyooka)

11th Marine Reserve Infantry Regiment (Naha, Okinawa)

Home Island Militia

The HIM is Japan's second-line force for the defence of the Home Islands. It was extensively expanded and strengthened during the Central Asian War as a result of invasion fears to fill the gap left by the army. The HIM is essentially a militarised civil defence organisation and its military value is often disparaged both by the marines and those lobbying for the reestablishment of a Japanese army. However the HIM has shown its worth as a versatile force on exercise and should not be underrated.

It is comprised primarily of Military Police Regiments which have a dual role in supporting civil authorities in peacetime and maintaining the lines of communications when at war. There are also several dedicated military combat units including highly mobile armored and cavalry regiments, which would be on the front line with the marines should any invasion of the Home Islands occur.

For HIM organisational purposes Japan is divided into a number of Defence Regions. Each Defence Region has a number of military HIM regiments assigned to it as well as a MP Regiment for each Prefecture within the Defence Region. Each MP Regiment has a varying number of battalions (up to 8) depending on the size of the population in the prefecture. Each Defence Region has a tactical HQ as well as administrative functions, plus subterranean command sites.

In terms of equipment the HIM usually lags behind the marines in the procurement of the very latest weapons systems, but not by much. In comparison to other similar reserve forces, such as the French Armée Territoriale de l'Hexegone, the HIM is very well equipped.

Defence Region I (Takeda)

2nd Militia Cavalry Regiment (Takeda)

1st Militia Infantry Regiment (Uwajima)

5th Militia Infantry Regiment (Naha, Okinawa)

12 x Militia Military Police Regiments

Defence Region II (Okayama)

3rd Militia Cavalry Regiment (Nagato)

1st Militia Armored Regiment (Osaka)

3rd Militia Infantry Regiment (Tottori)

4th Militia Cavalry Regiment (Okayama)

13 x Militia Military Police Regiments

Defence Region III (Kofu)

2nd Militia Independent Regiment (Mito)

2nd Militia Armored Regiment (Takaoka)

2nd Militia Infantry Regiment (Nakatsugawa)

4th Militia Infantry Regiment (Kofu)

8th Militia Infantry Regiment (Utsunomiya)

16 x Militia Military Police Regiments

Defence Region IV (Sendai)

1st Militia Cavalry Regiment (Misawa)

3rd Militia Armored Regiment (Sendai)

6th Militia Infantry Regiment (Akita)

5 x Militia Military Police Regiments

Defence Region V (Asahikawa)

1st Militia Independent Regiment (Asahikawa)

4th Militia Armored Regiment (Toyohara, Karafuto)

7th Militia Infantry Regiment (Tomakomai)

2 x Militia Military Police Regiments

Maps

Detailed maps of IDF deployments of ground, naval and air forces in the Japanese Home Islands by Edward Lipsett are available on the Kurotokage site, which also includes further details on the Japanese military.

Ground forces - Naval forces - Air forces

INDEX

Philippines Defence Force

The PDF is the defensive force for the Philippines and is divided into two Armies (Corps equivalents) with a number of PDF level forces including crack marine and Ranger units. The Armies are divided into a number of divisions, which have permanent establishments as opposed to the IDFs more ad-hoc organisation. The PDF is an all volunteer regular force, but there are also a number of reserve units manned by ex-regulars. These formations are administered at the army level and assigned to divisions only when required. In the PDF units mechanised forces are equipped with tracked vehicles whereas armored units have hover vehicles.

The Pilipina Army acts as a regional reserve for the Japanese Federation and acts as a bastion against further Indonesian expansionism. It also provided troops for the Japanese contingent in the Central Asian War. The Mindanao Army is on the front-line of containing Indonesian aggression and insurgents and is tasked both with screening and jungle operations. This army is also home to the PDF Cavalry Division, a unit comprising hovertanks, gunships and airmobile infantry that performed exceptionally in the Central Asian War.

Most of the regiments are raised on a regional basis except for the Ranger and Marine units directly under the command of the PDF. Given the fractious nature of the various Philippine nations the PDF is actually one of the few forces holding the islands together as an entity. The PDF is frequently employed on peacekeeping duties within the Philippines, and its officers usually try to hold themselves above politics.

PDF Troops

1st Philippine Ranger Regiment (Masbate)

2nd Philippine Ranger Regiment (Zamboanga)

1st Philippine Marine Division (Cavite)

1st Philippine Marine Armored Regiment

2nd Philippine Marine Infantry Regiment

3rd Philippine Marine Infantry Regiment

4th Philippine Marine Reserve Regiment

Pilipina Army (Manila)

1st Philippine Armored Division (Quezon City)

1st Pilipinas Armored Regiment

2nd Pilipinas Armored Regiment

1st Pilipinas Infantry Regiment

1st Philippine Mechanised Division (Tuguegarao)

5th Pilipinas Armored Regiment

3rd Pilipinas Mechanised Infantry Regiment

4th Pilipinas Mechanised Infantry Regiment

2nd Philippine Mechanised Division (Negros)

6th Visayas Armored Regiment

5th Visayas Mechanised Infantry Regiment

6th Visayas Mechanised Infantry Regiment


1st Pilipinas Reserve Mechanised Infantry Regiment

1st Visayas Reserve Infantry Regiment

3rd Pilipinas Reserve Infantry Regiment

5th Visayas Reserve Infantry Regiment

Mindanao Army (Davao)

1st Philippine Cavalry Division (Davao)

1st Mindanao Cavalry Regiment

4th Mindanao Infantry Regiment

2nd Philippine Armoured Division (Cotabato)

3rd Mindanao Armored Regiment

4th West Mindanao Armored Regiment

2nd Mindanao Mechanised Infantry Regiment

1st Philippine Infantry Division (Zamboanga)

1st Mindanao Regiment

2nd West Mindanao Infantry Regiment

3rd Palawan and Sulu Infantry Regiment


2nd Mindanao Reserve Mechanised Infantry Regiment

2nd Palawan Reserve Infantry Regiment

4th West Mindanao Reserve Infantry Regiment

INDEX

Micronesia Defence Force

The Micronesia Defence Force is a very small organisation responsible for the defence of the Pacific Islands in the Federation. The well-dispersed forces are grouped under the control of a single Independent Regiment with battalions in each major island chain. The MDF is recruited from both local Micronesians and veteran marines from the IDF. In the event of a crisis the MDF would be reinforced by IDF or PDF troops, including IDF Marines deployed with the Pacific Fleet.

1st Micronesian Independent Regiment (Hagåtña, Guam)

INDEX

Colonial Defence Forces

The Japanese Colonial Defence Forces are responsible for the protection of Japan's colonies in the Core, Chinese and French Arms. The greatest strength lies on the world of Tirane, but there is a military presence on two other worlds, including the world of Joi where tensions are still high following the independence of Elysia. Japan's other outposts are protected by troops from the Japanese Space Defence Force.

The CDF were strengthened by many members of the army when that force disbanded: although not implicated in the Incident, they were sufficiently disgraced to want to redeem themselves in the service of the Emperor. Consequently, the CDF have become forces of ultra-loyalists and are perhaps the most militarised part of the JDF. A regiment of the Amaterasu CDF served on Earth in the closing stages of the Central Asian War and performed excellently.

The CDF ground forces have two elements; a regular permanent force and a militia raised from volunteers or conscripts depending on the colony. The CDF can expect to be reinforced in a crisis, initially by JSDF units and then deployed units from the IDF.

Amaterasu - Tirane

The CDF has been strong on Amaterasu ever since the First and a Half Interstellar War with the Australians over the Southern Wall. Service in Amaterasu's militia is by ballot and is concentrated in the south of the colony. The CDF's regulars are soldiers toughened by patrolling in the Southern Wall and are regarded with respect by their Australian counterparts. Due to the size and history of the Amaterasu CDF, it was only mildly affected by the influx of ex-Japanese Army soldiers.

The Amaterasu Army is organised into permanent divisions where militia regiments serve alongside their regular counterparts. The 1st Border Division is the standing force covering the Southern Wall in the three border Prefectures. The other divisions are predominantly static, aligned with the Districts of the colony.

Amaterasu Army (Hoshikyo)

1st Amaterasu Border Division (Kumoriyama)

1st Colonial Independent Regiment

1st Colonial Infantry Regiment

1st Colonial Cavalry Regiment

1st Colonial Militia Infantry Regiment

2nd Colonial Militia Military Police Regiment

2nd Amaterasu Division (Kinugawa-shi)

2nd Colonial Infantry Regiment

2nd Colonial Cavalry Regiment

1st Colonial Militia Cavalry Regiment

1st Colonial Militia Mechanised Infantry Regiment

3rd Colonial Militia Military Police Regiment

3rd Amaterasu Division (Okada-shi)

1st Colonial Airborne Regiment

2nd Colonial Reserve Infantry Regiment

1st Colonial Militia Airborne Regiment

2nd Colonial Militia Mechanised Infantry Regiment

4th Colonial Militia Military Police Regiment

4th Amaterasu Division (Torayama-shi)

1st Colonial Reserve Infantry Regiment

2nd Colonial Militia Cavalry Regiment

2nd Colonial Militia Infantry Regiment

1st Colonial Militia Military Police Regiment

Tosashimizu - Joi

The CDF contingent on the idyllic world of Joi is perhaps the most militarised of any Japanese colonial force. A large contingent of ex-Japanese Army personnel helped to establish the colony and the set up a strong CDF run along the lines of the old Army. Tensions on Joi, with Tosashimizu concerned about both Elysian idealism and German machinations, have led to an upgrading of defences.

The regular CDF contingent of both natives and seconded IDF personnel have crafted a highly-trained Independent Regiment capable of intervention ops against either Germans or Elysians. Three militia regiments are manned by universal conscription of the colony's 21 year olds and is tasked with civil defence, gendarme and conventional defence operations.

Tosashimizu Defence Command (Kyuhikiryu Kichi)

2nd Colonial Independent Regiment

5th Colonial Militia Infantry Regiment

8th Colonial Militia Infantry Regiment

9th Colonial Militia Infantry Regiment

Aoki - Daikoku

The colony of Aoki has only a small military presence. This was expanded during the Central Asian War, but subsequently reduced, however rumours persist that large warehouses of well-maintained military equipment are located in the colony. The colony maintains a standing force of an Independent Regiment which matches the Arabian military force on world, but is better equipped. The four militia regiments are similar to those on Joi but are manned by volunteers and by ballot if enough volunteers are not forthcoming.

Aoki Defence Command (Aoki)

3rd Colonial Independent Regiment

3rd Colonial Militia Infantry Regiment

4th Colonial Militia Infantry Regiment

6th Colonial Militia Infantry Regiment

7th Colonial Militia Infantry Regiment

INDEX

Miscellaneous Units

There are two other ground force units that come under the direct control of the Imperial General Staff. These are the Lion Guard, the Emperor's Bodyguard, which is a small regiment in size and comprises some of the finest soldiers in the Federation. It deals with close and general protection for the Imperial family and also has an element deployed on Aggressor duties providing an OPFOR for other Japanese units. The SA Division is subordinate to the Military Intelligence Command and comprises Japan's strategic special operations capability on the ground and sea and in air and space. Recent information has come to light on SA Div operations in the aftermath of the Central Asian War.

Lion Guard

Special Activities Division

INDEX

Overseas Deployments

Arabia

Japan has had a presence in Arabia since the end of the Twilight War. When the western nations led by France withdrew Japan remained and built links with the Arabian government. Today the Japanese have a small regiment sized force based in the south of the country. The JIDF MMA is responsible for technical training of Arabian troops, joint training and in running manoeuvre training programs in the Empty Quarter. It is this 'pure manoeuvre' training which was largely responsible for Japan's showing in the Central Asian War.

Japanese Imperial Defence Force Military Mission Arabia

Azania

A long-standing ally of Japan and Japanese troops are sometimes deployed to Azania to conduct training. A small Japanese team is present permanently to co-ordinate this training and liaise with the Azanian military.

Japanese Imperial Defence Force Military Training Team Azania

Central Asian Republic

The Central Asian Republic is still divided and scarred by the events of the Central Asian War and garrisoned by peacekeepers from abroad. As part of the victorious coalition Japan still has an interest in the fate of the CAR although it is less involved than France or Russia. Elements of a single regiment are present here and these are mostly deployed in the western part of the country around the Japanese-financed spaceport. It is rumoured that elements of the Special Activities Division are still active in the country.

6th Marine Infantry Regiment

Canton

A key regional ally and a possible counterweight to Manchurian dominance, Japan is interested in supporting Canton. To do this Japan supplies armament and expertise in the form of a reinforced training team. Other units sometimes training in and around Canton, but these exercises are limited due to continuing historical distrust of the Japanese by many Cantonese. Japanese naval vessels often call at Cantonese ports, especially in Taiwan.

Japanese Imperial Defence Force Military Training Team Canton

Heidelsheimat

The small Bavarian colony of Heidelsheimat has been semi-independent since the creation of Germany. Japan has commercial and diplomatic interests here and has a military mission here supporting the local military.

Japanese Colonial Defence Force Military Mission Heidelsheimat

Far Eastern Republic

The impoverished FER is one of the region's political 'basket cases'. Japanese investment has been heavy here and during the Central Asian War Manchuria threatened the FER, forcing Japan to deploy forces to insure its independence and a garrison has remained ever since. Today Manchuria continues to apply pressure through deployments in the region and now a resurgent Russia is looking to re-absorb this historical territory. Many Japanese are wondering if the FER is really worth all the effort in spite of its enormous petroleum reserves.

1st Marine Airborne Regiment

INDEX