SDF trying to stop members from going AWOL

Yes, I do find that rather interesting. If war does ever break out, everyone in the SDF could just quit.

The SDF, contrary to what Abe wants, is not a military, it's a government paid position, like any other government jobs here, a person can quit whenever they choose, so calling them AWOL is reality is incorrect, as that term typically is reserved for military service members.

Also, usually it's reserved for a time of war, if a service member is AWOL more than 30 days, they could be charged with desertion, which of course is a more serious offense. Going AWOL could be anywhere from a day to years, and all depends upon how the military chooses to charge the offense.

The pressure to NOT quit, is just like with any company or business here, the "group" suffers if one member chooses to stop coming.

The person who wrote this article is writing it using military jargon that is out of place when talking about the SDF.

People walk away from their jobs everyday, they aren't referred to as being AWOL, they just quit!

It's a big nuisance for their colleagues."

And that's the main concern, isn't it?

There is no penalty associated with quitting the SDF. It's not like other military's around the world where going AWOL or desertion could land the person in jail.

Nothing new. In my grandfather's day, soldiers often "went over the hill" (him included) for whatever reason. Most would eventually come back, face the music, and continue being soldiers.

In the old Australian Army, you could always count on at least 10% of the men being AWOL at any time. Some would be working at part-time jobs, others would be spending time with new lady friends. Little was done about the problem because when it came time to fight, everyone would show up.

There is no penalty associated with quitting the SDF. It's not like other military's around the world where going AWOL or desertion could land the person in jail.

Yes, I do find that rather interesting. If war does ever break out, everyone in the SDF could just quit.

On the flip-side, does that mean non-Japanese are able to join? Not interested, just genuinely curious.

＠lomae 

You require Japanese citizenship to apply to any Japanese public service.

A good friend of mine in the national guard had some their paratroopers attached to their unit in Iraq, they werent allowed to carry their weapons which is ridiculous. He says they were always the first ones up, cleaning up the camps. Needless to say my buddy loved having them around!

You can never stop ALL soldiers from deserting. Basic human feelings and critical standing towards what he is doing (And what someone might make him do) will always get in the way of unconditional servitude. The best you can do is make them feel as if they are the "good" guys. Does not work that well in a modern society with advanced media.

@Yubaru

Yes, I do find that rather interesting. If war does ever break out, everyone in the SDF could just quit.

"you mean we have to actually do work? I quit..."

I would be more worried about the high incidence of suicides. They can never come back and were probably bullied.

Quite an appropriate accompanying photo for the article. I take it that's 5 guys escaping from a helicopter and taking off for parts unknown?

I would be more worried about the high incidence of suicides. 

A lot of comments are made about the suicide rate among soldiers, most overlooking the fact that it is lower than the rate among civilians. The suicide rate in Japan is high, civilians and soldiers alike. This has less to do with stress than it does lack of hope.

Quite an appropriate accompanying photo for the article. I take it that's 5 guys escaping from a helicopter and taking off for parts unknown?

It's just a training photo for the press. It looks like SDF Rangers doing air-assault practice on a live-fire range. I've done it myself, but only once in daylight, most such training and ops are done at night. You won't find many of these guys going AWOL, they're among the top 1% of the SDF.

It's just a training photo for the press. It looks like SDF Rangers doing air-assault practice on a live-fire range. I've done it myself, but only once in daylight, most such training and ops are done at night. You won't find many of these guys going AWOL, they're among the top 1% of the SDF.

More like 8% of the JGSDF holds the Ranger insignia. One percenters would be the ones that are assigned to spacial ranger units like the 1st Airborne Brigade and/or the Western Army Infantry Regiment (WAIR).

It's a stupid question, but were these people still paid even though they did not show up for work? Maybe if they cut paying them, they would up and quit.

I agree that the SDF is like a lower rank public servant job, most working from 8-4, then going home and having weekends off.

These are people who would not need do fight someone else's war without the US presence or other foreign... 'assistance".

I always thought the Japanese were a tough strong breed.

I guess we are lucky that the Americans are here to protect them, as they do not seem to want to protect themselves.

They are under considerable pressure at all time. This is another reason why the article 9 should be revamped. Make it an official military with court martial but also make it clear the path for honorable discharge and that the ones applying will not be discriminated and will be greeted honorable into society for serving his/her country.

Maybe foreigners see a more serious situation here. If the Japanese don't see it, then it is a good reason to leave asap.

These are the people some insist are strong enough to defend you without the US presence or other foreign assistance.

Defending Japan is a US business and it is a common sense publicly acknowledged by the Japanese society.