For Rapid Response
While the Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF) is tasked with defending Japan, they have seen their missions extend overseas, including the rescue of Japanese nationals from hot-spots.
JSDF certainly has a number of units suitable for such roles, with the Special Operations Group (SOG) being considered as the most capable among all. That being said, the SOG is a special force reserved as a last resort, and cannot be deployed so often since it would expose the nature of their true potential.
Instead, most emergency evacuations abroad would fall on the Central Readiness Regiment (CRR), which is an elite unit trained for quick response.
- General Overview
| Personnel | 700 soldiers |
| Establishment | March, 2008 |
| Headquarters | Camp Utsunomiya (Tochigi Pref.) |
| Unit Strength | Infantry Company×3 Combat Engineer Company×1 Explosive Disposal Team×1 |
The CRR is an infantry regiment specializing in rapid response, mostly with counter-terrorism and guerrilla warfare in mind.
Their high readiness is also invaluable for reinforcing local garrisons across Japan during an event of an emergency.
Initially part of the now-disbanded Central Readiness Force (CRF), the CRR now operates directly under the Ground Component Command for greater operational flexibility.
Their training largely focuses on urban warfare, close-quarters combat, and insertion via helicopters, with the CRR consuming much more ammunition compared to other units due to intensive exercises.
CRR personnel during training (photo: JGSDF)
As a quick-reaction force, the CRR often leads missions to rescue Japanese nationals abroad or serves as a vanguard for overseas deployments. Such duties comes with rare opportunities and experience as well as more financial benefits compared to the average unit.
While no special qualifications are required for application, the regiment is one of the most competitive units within the entire organization, and maintains an average age of around 30 years old.
Applicants must meet high standards in physical fitness, intelligence, and foreign language proficiency, especially English, and the 30% of the regiment are graduates of the rigorous Ranger Course.
Equipped For Overseas
The CRR’s structure differs from typical infantry regiments, featuring specialized units such as an engineer company and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
It is also well-equipped, with their Type 96 Armored Personnel Carriers fitted with 12.7mm heavy machine guns, and platoons being issued with the new Type 20 rifles ahead of other infantry units. As their missions include escorting civilians from dangerous zones, the unit also employs riot shields and 9mm pistols for close-quarters engagements.
Moreover, they are the only unit to operate the Australian-made Bushmaster, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle that was imported in 2014 with just eight units.
With these unique equipment, the CRR has been deployed in many overseas operations, flying into Djibouti and South Sudan as advance parties, as well as rescuing Japanese citizens from Afghanistan in 2021.
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