US-Japan Defense Cooperation and the New US Defense Strategy
| Date | March 14, 2013 |
| Location | Stimson Center |
US-Japan Defense Cooperation and the New US Defense Strategy
Featuring
Col. Masahito Yajima (JASDF)
Col. Koichi Ikeda (JGSDF)
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In 2012, the Department of Defense announced strategic guidance for US military operations. Some of the key elements, such as "rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region", "Joint Operational Access Concept (JOAC)" and "Air-Sea Battle (ASB)," are well known. What is often overlooked, though, is how these concepts may influence the force posture planning of US allies. Col. Ikeda (JGSDF) and Col. Yajima (JASDF), both visiting fellows at Stimson, will share their perspectives on what Japan should focus on as it prepares to revise its own National Defense Program Guideline (NDPG).
Col. Masahito Yajima (JASDF) is a Visiting Fellow with Stimson's East Asia Program. Col. Yajima comes from the Intelligence Division of the Air Staff Office (ASO) of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Previously, he has held staff assignments at ASO's Plans, Policy and Program Department, Operation and Intelligence Department, and Personnel and Training Department. He also served as Defense Attaché at the Embassy of Japan in Poland from 2007 to 2010.
Col. Koichi Ikeda (JGSDF) is a Visiting Fellow with Stimson's East Asia Program. Col. Ikeda comes from Defense Operation Section of Operation Department (J-3) of Joint Staff Office. Prior to his assignment at the J3, Col. Ikeda served as Commander of the 104th Aviation Unit. His other recent assignments include the Personal and Education Department, the Ground Staff Office (2007-2009), and aide-de-camp to Vice Defense Minister (2005-2007). Col. Ikeda also served in Iraq in 2004 as a part of the 1st Iraq Reconstruction Support Unit.