Ministry of Defense to establish Retired Self-Defense Forces Support Agency in 2027 to provide re-employment support and medical support

The Ministry of Defense is considering establishing a new ``Retired Self-Defense Forces Personnel and Family Support Agency'' to support retired Self-Defense Forces personnel and their families, as early as fiscal 2027. We envision an organization that centrally handles a wide range of support, including re-employment support and the provision of medical services. The aim is to improve treatment after retirement and alleviate the worsening shortage of qualified Self-Defense Force personnel. The plan is to submit related bills to the regular Diet session to be convened in January next year. ...

Immigration Bureau urgently increases 226 people, including retired Self-Defense Forces personnel, ``ready-to-act'' According to Ministry of Defense officials, the establishment of the new agency is a move made by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Mr. Koizumi launched a committee headed by himself in June, and is proceeding with the design of the system with reference to the US Department of Veterans Affairs and other institutions. The government plans to start coordinating with the Cabinet Personnel Bureau and include related expenses in the budget request for fiscal 2027, which is due at the end of August. ...

The reason behind the urgent consideration is the lack of qualified Self-Defense Force personnel. In response to efforts to improve working conditions during the Ishiba administration, the number of new hires in fiscal 2015 exceeded 10,000 for the first time in three years, but as of the end of March 2016, there were only 217,701 current employees out of a fixed number of 247,154, meaning that the number of employees is still below capacity. As the security environment surrounding Japan becomes increasingly severe, the Ministry of Defense has compiled estimates that the number of Self-Defense Forces personnel will decline to approximately 130,000 by 2045. ...

The Self-Defense Forces has adopted an early retirement age system in order to maintain the strength of the organization, with most members reaching retirement age in their late 50s. Mr. Koizumi emphasized, ``In order for people to continue to choose the career of being a member of the Self-Defense Forces, it is necessary to create an environment where they can live their lives to the fullest with pride, with pride, and peace of mind.'' ...

In the United States, a culture of society showing gratitude and supporting military personnel and veterans has taken root. Mr. Koizumi, who has lived in the United States, has mentioned such episodes from time to time, and hopes that the establishment of the new agency will also improve the social status of Self-Defense Force personnel.