On August 25, the Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun reported that the U.S. government is considering reorganizing U.S. Forces Japan to establish a Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) command headquarters.
The MDTF is a unit equipped with integrated combat capabilities, including long-range precision strikes, electronic warfare, and cyber warfare, and was established in 2017 with the aim of countering China, among other objectives.
The newspaper stated that the U.S. government plans to launch two multi-domain commands to oversee the MDTFs and strengthen operational functions. The multi-domain command overseeing the 1st and 3rd MDTFs will be based at a facility in Washington State, while the multi-domain command to be established within U.S. Forces Japan will be responsible for the newly launched 4th MDTF.
The U.S. Army created the first MDTF under I Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington. The 2nd MDTF has been deployed in Germany, and the 3rd MDTF in Hawaii. The location of the 4th MDTF's deployment has not yet been disclosed. Sankei predicted that, since U.S. Forces Japan is relatively small and primarily focused on administrative functions, the multi-domain command will be located in Japan, but the 4th MDTF itself is likely to be stationed outside of Japan.
Sankei added, "If the MDTF is deployed in Asia, it could respond quickly to a Taiwan contingency," and explained that by placing the multi-domain command in Japan, which is close to countries such as South Korea and the Philippines where the MDTF might be deployed in emergencies, the U.S. aims to enhance operational capabilities and strengthen its deterrence against China.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Pacific Command in Hawaii stated that discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a multi-domain command by reorganizing U.S. Army Japan, but there is currently no specific timeline.
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