Wikipedia

Special Boarding Unit

TheSpecial Boarding Unit(Đặc biệt canh gác đội,Tokubetsukeibitai)is aspecial forces unitestablished by theJapan Maritime Self-Defense Forceon March 27, 2001, in response to a spy ship incursion that had taken place on theNoto Peninsulain 1999.[4][5]The unit was created to perform similar roles to those undertaken by AmericanNavy SEALsand the BritishSBS.[1]Its structure is based on that of the SBS.[6]It is based in Etajima, Hiroshima.[7]

Special Boarding Unit
Đặc biệt canh gác đội
ActiveMarch 27, 2001 – present
CountryJapan
BranchJapan Maritime Self-Defense Force
TypeSpecial forces
RoleSpecial operations
VBSS
SizeClassified,[1]estimated at 90 operators in 2007[2]
Part ofSelf Defense Fleet
Garrison/HQEtajima, Hiroshima
Nickname(s)SBU
Tokketai (In Japanese)
EngagementsBattle of Amami-Ōshima(Did not intervene)
Counter-piracy operations in Somalia[3]
Commanders
Current
commander		Kazuhiro Kuroki
Notable
commanders		Toru Yamaguchi
Insignia
Green SBU Patch
Blue SBU Patch
3JSDF'sSBU operators armed withM4 carbinesnext to aUSArmyGreen Beretoperator from 1st Battalion,1st SFG (A)armed with hisSOPMOD Block IIvariant M4A1 disembark from anMH-60Shelicopter to take up fighting positions during theRim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

The unit's roles involve maritime anti-terrorist duties, including operations where arms are known to be involved.[8][9]However, its duties and responsibilities overlap with those of theSpecial Security Team,theJapan Coast Guard's counter-terrorist unit.[10]However, the SST has the right to detain anyone lawfully.[11]

Information on SBU personnel, training and weapons is classified and not available.[12]Its operators wear balaclavas to protect their identities when operating where they can be seen.[13]Due to the nature of their duties and responsibilities, an amendment had been passed to raise their salaries.[14]

History

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After a failedJapanese Maritime Self-Defense Forcesmission to stop North Korean spy ships that were in Japanese territorial waters off theNoto Peninsula,[1][15]the SBU was established[9]with its headquarters inEtajima, Hiroshima.[7][16]The unit had conducted some covert training in Etajima after its creation, including exercises onboarding tacticsto enter ships.[16]Training was completed in 2000, a year after the SBU was created.[17]Aship reportedto have illegally enteredAmami Ōshimawas seen nearby, which led to the mobilization of the SBU.[17]The ship, however, was said to have been scuttled before they could intervene.[13]The unit made its existence known to the public in 2007 during a training exercise, which involved the deployment ofHowa Type 89–armed SBU operators viaRHIBsandSH-60J helicopters.[18][19]

When the unit was created, it had requested training with theUS Navy SEALs,but had not been able to do so due lack of available personnel who could train the candidates.[13]To resolve this, the SBU had requested training assistance from theSBSto help in founding the unit.[6][13]An SBS instructor was sent to Japan from February to March 2000.[20]

In 2006, Iku Aso of theShūkan Bunshunreported that the SBU was discreetly deployed to Iraq to work with American special forces in a mission to save Japanese nationals taken hostage under "Operation Babylon's Sakura", but they were never given the orders to intervene.[21]

It was announced in January 2009 byYasukazu Hamadathat the SBU would possibly be deployed for its first mission toSomaliato engage inanti-piracy operations.[15]The SBU was involved in anti-pirate exercises with the Samidare and the Sazanami at Bungo Channel between Shikoku and Kyushu on February 11, 2019.[22]SBU operators had left Japan on March 14, 2009, deployed on board theMurasame-class destroyer JDS DD-106Samidareand theTakanami-class destroyer JDS DD-113Sazanami.[23]The SBU would be deployed in operations with SH-60K helicopters.[24]The deployment was made under Article 82 of the SDF Law.[25]

Prior to the SBU's overseas deployment to Somalia, the unit had practiced alongsideJapan Coast Guardunits in simulating a raid on a pirate vessel played by JCG officers without any warning shots fired by SBU operators off the coast ofKure, Hiroshimawith a total of 250 people participating, 60 from the JCG.[26]In the Somalian deployment, SBU forces don't have the power to detain suspected pirates, so JCG officers would be responsible for making arrests.[27]

In 2012, restrictions for female JMSDF personnel to join the SBU were lifted.[20]

The SBU was deployed in 2016 at the42nd G7 summit,providing security alongside theSpecial Assault Team.[28]In 2017, they were deployed under the Combined Maritime Forces mandate from the JS Teruzuki.[29]During that time, the SBU responded to a boat that was drifting in the Gulf of Aden.[30]

SBU operators participated with theCommandos Marinein maritime exercises in August 2019.[31]The unit participated in the Malabar 2021 military exercises[32]withUnited States Naval Special Warfare CommandandMARCOScommandos.[33]

Controversy

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Controversy had developed from the SBU when a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces cadet had died during a supposed training exercise prior to admission to the unit when it was reported in October 2008.[1]The incident consisted of 15 levels of unarmed combat training.[9][34]The JMSDF has refused to provide more details on the incident, which remains classified.[1]However, a special committee was established to determine whether the cadet's death was murder or an accident.[35]Investigators of the Criminal Investigation Command had assessed the incident.[36]

Reports on the incident have identified it as a case of bullying by senior JMSDF sailors against junior sailors.[1]The committee suggested that the deceased cadet was killed accidentally after receiving a right hook punch by his 14th opponent during the exercise, specifically to the chin.[36]

Four JMSDF sailors were charged for their involvement in the cadet's death.[37]

A report filed by the Ministry of Defense recommended the implementation of stringent safety standards, especially on concerns when highly strenuous activities such as physical combat training are taking place.[9]

Foreign relations

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The SBU has been involved in matters involving Asia-Pacific defense, with representatives sent to the Asia Pacific Defense Forum Summer 2002[38]and the Asia Pacific Defense Forum 2004.[39]

Formation

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As of 2014, the SBU has six platoons with one main headquarters.[40]

90 operators are known to be in the SBU.[2]

Weapons and equipment

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It is known that the SBU uses theHeckler & KochMP5A5as the primary submachine guns.[13]Their service assault rifle is theHowa Type 89,[6][18]M4 carbine andHK416,[13]while their sidearm is theSIG Sauer P226R.[13]The SBU has been armed with the SIG-Sauer MPX with 9mm and training versions acquired.[41]

Sniper rifles were purchased for the SBU under the 2004 defense budget under the JMSDF, but the type chosen has not been revealed to the public.[42]It is known that they have used the Heckler & Koch MSG-90.[13]

The SBU has use of RHIBs for maritime operations[18]while SH-60J helicopters are used for aerial insertions duringshipboarding missions.[19]

SBU operators in Somalia were spotted wearing Ops-Core helmets.[29]

Training

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SBU candidates are schooled at theNaval Academy Etajima's 1st Service School.[1][9]Basic education is done at the school while the rest is done in a training program prior to recruitment.[9][1]

References

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  1. ^abcdefghKakumi Kobayashi & Masato Kurosaki (24 October 2008)."Secrecy hampers SDF death probe".Kyodo News&The Japan Times.Archived fromthe originalon 7 March 2021.Retrieved7 March2021.
  2. ^ab"Tự vệ đội の bộ đội biên thành に quan する chất vấn に đối する đáp biện thư: Đáp biện bổn văn: Tham Nghị Viện".
  3. ^"2ND LD: Japan orders MSDF dispatch for antipiracy mission off Somalia".iStockAnalyst. 13 March 2009.Archivedfrom the original on 20 July 2012.Retrieved19 July2012.
  4. ^"Special Operations Units and Intelligence Organizations in Japan".19 April 2004.Retrieved6 October2009.
  5. ^James Brooke (25 December 2001)."Japan Says a Mystery Boat Fired Rockets at Its Ships".The New York Times.Retrieved6 October2009.
  6. ^abc"The new Tokyo Marui AEG: MP5 Japanese Police/Military Version".Renegade Recon. 13 May 2004. Archived fromthe originalon 3 June 2004.
  7. ^ab"DoS East Asia and Pacific Region, Japan, Exchange Training, FY 01"(PDF).State Department.Retrieved7 February2009.
  8. ^Neville 2019,p. 111.
  9. ^abcdef“Trên biển tự vệ đội đặc biệt canh gác đội quan hệ の chương trình học học sinh の tử vong sự án について”(in Japanese).Japanese Ministry of Defense.Archived fromthe originalon 23 March 2011.Retrieved22 April2010.
  10. ^Nao Shimoyachi (30 March 2004)."GSDF inaugurates undercover antiterrorist squad".The Japan Times.Archived fromthe originalon 5 August 2009.Retrieved13 January2009.
  11. ^"Nhật Bản にある “4つ の đặc thù bộ đội” イベント trước は hợp thành して hội nghị を ".18 May 2018.
  12. ^“Đáp thân thư 『 đại thấu における rét lạnh mà thật tập に quan する đặc biệt canh gác đội giống nhau mệnh lệnh 』 の một bộ khai kỳ quyết định に quan する kiện”(PDF)(in Japanese). Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 3 March 2016.
  13. ^abcdefghNash, Ed (17 December 2019)."The Special Boarding Unit ( đặc biệt canh gác đội ); Japan's Maritime Teeth - Military History - Military Matters".Ed Nash's Military Matters.Retrieved29 December2023.
  14. ^“Phòng vệ sảnh thiết trí pháp chờ の một bộ を sửa lại する pháp luật”(in Japanese). Archived fromthe originalon 10 October 2007.Retrieved7 February2009.
  15. ^ab"Special MSDF unit eyed to fight piracy".Technology Marketing Corporation. 21 January 2009.
  16. ^abTrang bị も huấn luyện も sương mù の trung(in Japanese). Archived fromthe originalon 4 August 2009.Retrieved7 February2009.
  17. ^abNước Nhật の tinh duệ bộ đội ＆ đặc thù bộ đội(in Japanese). Archived fromthe originalon 28 June 2006.Retrieved6 October2009.
  18. ^abcĐặc cảnh đội quảng báo triển lãm cao tốc ボートで không thẩm thuyền へ hắc ずくめ võ trang đội viên tố sớm く thừa thuyền, vô lực hóa(in Japanese). Archived fromthe originalon 4 March 2009.Retrieved7 February2009.
  19. ^abどう lấy り tổ む hải tặc đối sách ＜ trung ＞ bài trừ できない “Giao chiến” chế ước nhiều い đặc cảnh đội の phái(in Japanese). Archived fromthe originalon 20 February 2012.Retrieved7 February2009.
  20. ^ab"Trên biển tự vệ đội đặc thù bộ đội 『 đặc biệt canh gác đội 』 の trang bị と bộ đội điểm chính | Jieitaisaiyou".jieitaisaiyou.Retrieved29 December2023.
  21. ^Ma sinh mấy 『 tác gia ma sinh mấy が khẩn cấp cáo phát 』 “Tuần san văn xuân” ngày 2 tháng 11 hào, văn vân xuân thu xã, 2006 năm
  22. ^"Destroyers hold drill ahead of Somali detail | the Japan Times".japantimes.co.jp.Archived fromthe originalon 10 December 2021.Retrieved12 January2022.
  23. ^Japan orders warships Somalia anti-piracy missionabs-cbnArchived11 December 2021 at theWayback Machine
  24. ^"Japan to send antipiracy mission to Somalia".asianewsnet.net.Archived fromthe originalon 23 April 2009.Retrieved12 January2022.
  25. ^"Japan to send warships against Somalia pirates".themalaysianinsider.my.Archived fromthe originalon 22 April 2009.Retrieved12 January2022.
  26. ^"Dispatch of MSDF Vessels to Water off the Coast of Somalia".Japanese Ministry of Defense.Archived fromthe originalon 3 March 2019.Retrieved7 October2009.
  27. ^"Coast guard to help MSDF ships handle pirate arrests off Somalia".The Japan Times.11 January 2009. Archived fromthe originalon 13 January 2009.Retrieved7 October2009.
  28. ^"Y thế chí ma サミット, phố trung が2 vạn người の cảnh sát だらけ の で, thị phố chiến や hàng không cơ kích trụy も tưởng định されていた!".
  29. ^ab"Hải tự đặc thù bộ đội “Đặc biệt canh gác đội” らしき tư も… Liền hợp trên biển bộ đội がソマリア hướng hải tặc đối 処 nhiệm vụ の chân dung を gửi bài ".
  30. ^"Phái hải tặc đối 処 hành động thủy thượng bộ đội による gặp nạn thuyền へ の đối ứng について"[Response to ships in distress by the Dispatched Anti-Piracy Surface Unit](PDF)(in Japanese). Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 30 June 2020.
  31. ^"Ngày phật がジブチで trên biển cộng đồng huấn luyện を thật thi".
  32. ^"Ngày mễ ấn hào cộng đồng huấn luyện ( マラバール２０２１ ) について"[About the Japan-US-India-Australia joint exercise (Malabar 2021)](PDF)(in Japanese). Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 15 April 2023.
  33. ^"NSW Wraps up SOF Phase of MALABAR with Partner Nations".
  34. ^Julian Ryall (23 October 2008)."Japanese soldier killed by colleagues in 'farewell ritual'".The Daily Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 26 March 2016.Retrieved7 February2009.
  35. ^Hải tự đặc thù bộ đội viên が１５ người と cách đấu huấn luyện し tử vong, bạo hành の nghi いも(in Japanese). 14 October 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 14 September 2012.Retrieved17 March2009.
  36. ^ab"MSDF petty officer died after 'training fight' against 15 people".The Japan Times.14 October 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 26 September 2012.Retrieved17 March2009.
  37. ^"Four MSDF members in fatal 'training' fight face charges | the Japan Times".japantimes.co.jp.Archived fromthe originalon 10 December 2021.Retrieved12 January2022.
  38. ^"Special Operations Forces Roles in Operations other than War".Archived fromthe originalon 3 November 2004.Retrieved7 February2009.
  39. ^Maj. Jeremy L. Simmons."PASOC: Confronting Terrorism and its Links to Transnational Threats".Archived fromthe originalon 27 September 2007.Retrieved7 February2009.
  40. ^Đặc biệt canh gác đội の biên chế に quan する huấn lệnh(PDF)(in Japanese). Japanese Ministry of Defense. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 9 September 2021.Retrieved20 February2012.
  41. ^Announcementndl.go.jp
  42. ^Đặc biệt レポート(1) khế ước bản bộ １６ niên độ khế ước thật tích を đọc む(in Japanese). Archived fromthe originalon 7 June 2011.Retrieved17 March2009.

Bibliography

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  • Neville, Leigh (2019).The Elite: The A–Z of Modern Special Operations Forces.Oxford: Osprey Publishing.ISBN978-1472824295.
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