To contribute to efforts for world peace and the promotion of international cooperation, the GSDF has proactively conducted, on its own initiative, international peace cooperation operations, humanitarian relief for large scale disasters, and reconstruction support activities in Iraq.
When it is deemed necessary for the protection of lives or properties because of natural calamities and other disasters, the GSDF are dispatched by order of the Minister of Defense, or an individual designated by the Minister, upon the request of the Prefectural Governor or other official, or without this request when the situation is particularly urgent and there is no time to wait. The GSDF perform a variety of activities, including such things as search and rescue for accident victims, assistance to ships and aircraft in distress, flood control, medical treatment, epidemic prevention, water supply, and transportation of personnel and supply. The GSDF also uses organic aircraft to transport emergency patients living on isolated islands where there are few medical institutions.
International peace cooperation activity photograph
Photographs of Humanitarian Relief and Reconstruction Support Activities in Iraq
