Foreword to JSDF Infantry Equipment and Gear
Formed in 1945 with a dubious task of defending against a feared Soviet invasion of Northern Japan, the JSDF was originally equipped with a blend of home made equipment and American Military surplus. With the post-war economic redevelopment, the JSDF has since evolved into a sophisticated high tech fighting force.
Constrained by a Pacifistic Government, Heavy civilian oversight and a defense budget no greater than 1% of the GDP, the GSDF has nevertheless lost sight of its original mission of defending Japan and its people.
With the changes to Article 9 in recent years the GSDF has evolved from a only defensive stance to being able to protect regional allies and participate in oversea training alongside the standard peacekeeping deployments.
JSDF CAMOUFLAGE
Camouflage Type 2 ("Jieitai Dot"):
The Standard Camouflage pattern of the GSDF adopted in 1991 and used to today. The pattern consist of Dots based off image data of the average vegetation in Japan.
Camouflage Type 2 Autumn variation:
Brown dominant variation of the Type 2 Camouflage pattern used for winter. It can be seen on cold weather field parka and trousers.
Camouflage Type 2 Desert Variation:
Desert variation of the Type 2 pattern first introduced in 2010. Intended for Middle Eastern Peacekeeping deployments.
JMSDF Camouflage:
Maritime Self Defense Force pixelated digital camouflage pattern introduced in 2012, Inspired by the US Navy’s Naval Working Uniform.
JMSDF Desert Camouflage:
Maritime Self Defense Force pixelated digital camouflage pattern introduced in 2012. This is the desert variation.
JASDF Digital Camouflage:
Air Self Defense Force pixelated digital camouflage pattern first introduced in 2009.
JSDF Helmets
Type 88 Helmet:
Modern Kevlar helmet normally issued out with a 2 point chinstrap. Based off the US M88 PASGT Helmet with changes to fit Japanese physique, this helmet is somewhere between a MICH and a PASGT Helmet.
Various Types of Cloth helmet covers are generally installed with a Camouflaged foliage band to secure in place.
Variations include Shiny non ballistic parade variants and non ballistic bump variants used by MSDF.
Type 66 Steel Helmet:
The first domestically produced combat helmet of post war Japan. Based off American M1 helmet shells with a liner designed for Japanese heads.
Early models used IJA Type chinstraps and later models where retrofitted or came with a two point chinstrap.
While no longer used for front line combat troops, Type 66 Helmets can still be seen in use with Reservist and rear echelon troops.
JSDF Combat Gear:
Ballistic Combat Vest -Type 1
Bulletproof Vest -Type 2
Bulletproof Vest -Type 3
(2014 Onwards)
JSDF Personal Kit
Type 3 Uniform
Cold Weather Parka and Pants
General Combat Harness Set
Type 2 Misc Bag
General Combat Rucksack
Type 2 Combat Boots
JSDF Infantry Reference Gallery
Citation:
-Kenneth Young