Japanese Self Defense Forces

The Japanese Armed Forces, often called the Self Defense Force (SDF), is a fictional offensive army in the Cyberpunk series. They control the Pacific Rim.

History
n the 1990s Japan abolished the pacifist clause (article 9) of the 1947 constitution which was mainly written by the United States after World War 2. This allowed Japan to have a normal military again with full offensive military capabilities. Consequently the US withdrew its military presence in Japan.

China and Korea watched over the years after the SDF was formed, many protested at every turn of the SDF, even though they were sedning Peace Keeping Forces to protect innocent people. The governments response to the protest were very mild, sating that there was no reason for them to invade. The SDF has been known for the officers underestimating themselves. Most of them are freely admitted that SDF is useless. The annual budget given to the SDF was 70 Billion Eb, this made it the third highest military budget in the entire world. Japan's military was made to combat the other countries large military forces, however the government never had planned to invade other countries or any interest to go to war. This has made the Japanese military stay at a smaller force.

Organization
The Self Defense Force splits into three branches: Ground SDF (GSDF), Maritime SDF (MSDF), and AuroSpace SDF (ASDF). Aside from the ASDF, its pretty much as it was 30 years ago. Even though Japan accepted the right to wage war and have an army with revoking of their Article 9, their budget is still restricted to only 3% of their GNP. They still call it the SDF instead of the Japanese Army. "Wow! These seats are like riding on clouds! The air-conditioning works well, the TV gets great reception...Auto-medkit, drink-vendor, 2 weeks of delicious rations (unlike the kibble they give us)! I wish my apartment was so well furnished..."

- Lt. Culliford, US Army, test-driving a Type 15 MBT at the GSDF Fuji Training Grounds Forces armées japonaises