Central Readiness Force

Central Readiness Force
Official Central Readiness Force insignia
Active	March 28, 2007 – present
Country	Japan
Branch	Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Type	Rapid Reaction Force
Role	Special operations Direct Action Air assault Unconventional Warfare Domestic and International Counter-Terrorism Counter-Piracy operations Airborne assault Anti-NBC Warfare Aerial Transportation Military Training Units
Size	~ 4,500 personnel
Part of	See Formation
Garrison/HQ	Camp Zama, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture
Nickname(s)	CRF
Engagements	United Nations Mission in Nepal United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Zone United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti Counter-piracy operations in Somalia
Commanders
Current commander	Lt. Gen. Hiromichi Kawamata
Notable commanders	Josho Yamaguchi

The Central Readiness Force (中央即応集団, Chūō Sokuō Shūdan^?) was established on March 28, 2007, following the upgrading of the Japanese Defense Ministry from the former Japanese Defense Agency. It was initially based at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Camp Asaka in Nerima, Tokyo. The command supervises a number of different units, whose roles range from special forces operations to advance preparation for greater JSDF deployments. The unit can also be deployed as Japan's response to combat operations during peacekeeping missions as a rapid reaction force. In March 2009, the force was transferred to Camp Zama, in Sagamihara, in the Kanagawa Prefecture. As a part of the Japanese government's National Defense Program Guidelines which were developed in response to the need to improve the JGSDF's capabilities to deal with new defense issues such as foreign peacekeeping operations and anti-terrorist operations.

The CRF held a formal ceremony at Camp Askaka on March 31, 2007, during which Japanese Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma, who was the guest of honour, formally inaugurated the force. Lieutenant General Josho Yamaguchi (山口淨秀 陸将^?, Yamaguchi Josho Rikushō) was the CRF's first commanding officer. The current commander of the CRF is Lt. Gen. Masahiro Hidaka, who was appointed on July 26, 2012.