Posted on 11/21/2016 9:03:07 AM PST by BenLurkin
The first contingent of Self-Defense Forces members authorized to use their weapons against enemy combatants while engaged in protection and rescue operations overseas left here Nov. 20 to take part in a U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.
The advance corps of 130 or so members is expected to arrive in the South Sudan capital of Juba on Nov. 21.
They are authorized to engage in "kaketsuke-keigo" activities, which literally means "rushing (to distant places) to protect and rescue (people)," when members of peacekeeping operations or other nongovernmental organizations come under attack.
Unlike in past missions, those in the latest deployment will be allowed to fire their weapons to protect and rescue others if the need arises.
In total, 350 SDF members from units based in the northern prefectures of Aomori, Miyagi, Iwate and Akita will make up the force to take over from the one now in South Sudan. The contingent's main task is to build roads in South Sudan. The mission is expected to last for six months.
(Excerpt) Read more at asahi.com ...
It’s about time.
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