On the 5th, the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officially brought vehicles into the premises of the newly established GSDF Ishigaki Garrison, which is scheduled to open on the 16th in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture. This is the first time for the Self-Defense Forces to be deployed to the island, which is close to the Senkaku Islands and Taiwan. The garrison is equipped with Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles, which can be used to defend the island from any potential threats. In order to prepare for the opening of the garrison, loading of the vehicles started on the morning of the 5th. After being unloaded at Ishigaki Port, the armored vehicles and trucks traveled to the garrison, which is located around 10 kilometers away. This is the first time that the GSDF has been deployed to the island, and it is expected to be a major boost to the security of the area. The residents of Ishigaki City are relieved to have the Self-Defense Forces in the vicinity and hope that this deployment will help ensure the safety of their community.
The Ministry of Defense recently made the decision to bring in around 150 military units to a particular area in order to set up a garrison. The official stated that ammunition would be brought in after the garrison was established. Although this news caused some distress among local residents, there were no major disturbances or confusion reported. The Ministry of Defense is taking all necessary precautions to ensure that the safety of the area is maintained during the establishment process. Furthermore, the military will be engaging in regular communication with the local community to ensure that their concerns are addressed. The Ministry of Defense is confident that the establishment of this garrison will bring peace and stability to the region.
The Nansei Islands, located off the southwestern coast of Japan, have been a largely untouched area for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force units in recent years. This is largely due to the peaceful nature of the area, which has enjoyed relative stability for a long time. However, with the emergence of new security threats in the region, the Japanese government has taken steps to beef up its presence in the area. In 2016, a garrison was opened on Yonaguni Island, located in the same prefecture as the Nansei Islands. Then, in 2019, garrisons were opened on both Miyako Island in the same prefecture and Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture. The garrisons are staffed with GSDF personnel to provide a physical presence in the area and help ensure that the Nansei Islands remain peaceful and secure. With these new garrisons, the Japanese government is hoping to send a message of peace and stability to its neighbors in the region.