The Japanese and Dutch effort in Iraq

I was sitting in my student dorm room playing with my computer safe in Holland, when I got a call from a friend telling me about a job opportunity as an interpreter to the liaison team between the Dutch and Japanese armed forces in Iraq. My small and secure world of student parties and metaphysical discussions suddenly opened up to reveal a spectrum of opportunities to actively participate in making the world a better place.

Being a student of the Japanese language and culture, and having some experience as a conscript truck driver in Bosnia Herzegovina back in 1995, I jumped at the prospect of being part of the first non-United Nations deployment of Japanese troops in a foreign country since World War II.

After conflicts in the Japanese government about whether or not to deploy the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) in Iraq, however, the project was cancelled. But when in January the decision was finally made that the JGSDF would assist with rebuilding Iraq, I was approached by the Dutch Army once again. After a short preparation period I was sent to the Iraqi province of Al Muthanna where I arrived on February 23rd.

The Japanese Effort
The JGSDF arrived in Iraq on January 16th with as goal to assist the people of Iraq in rebuilding their country. Projects that the Japanese have decided to take on include setting up water filtration systems, rebuilding schools, and refurbishing the local hospitals.

Goods from Japan are arriving via a Hercules C-130 cargo carrier at Tallil Airbase.

Since the Japanese didn't have a base of their own yet, they were temporarily put up with the Dutch Detachment at Camp Smitty in As Samawah. The similarity in mission objectives and the close proximity in which the two countries would be working made their cooperation a logical one. They resided there for roughly a month, during which the Japanese army made the necessary preparations to build their camp. They started land negotiations with the official land owners, and began preparing the land to build the camp.

These preparations, which are still continuing to accommodate the expansion of the camp later on, consisted of checking the grounds for landmines, surface leveling, and covering it with a layer of gravel to accommodate rainwater drainage and to prevent the soil from turning the camp into a 90.000 square meter mud pool. Perimeters were set up with earthen walls, ditches and barbed wire with the aid of the Dutch Engineers, and a long and twisty access road was constructed.

The temporary Japanese Diplomatic office managed by Mr. Ito.

On February 26th they moved into the camp, simply named Camp Samawah, where by now tents were set up for the troops. A temporary office for the liaison team detachment of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by the Japanese vice-ambassador in Teheran, Mr. Ito, was created in one of the sea containers. The liaison team also coordinates various projects in Iraq, but acts completely independent from the JGSDF.

The Japanese are endeavouring to make this the most sophisticated camp in Iraq. Every day new improvements are visible. Pre-fabricated houses (prefabs) are being brought in, more electronic surveillance is being installed, and various other measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the troops and the camp.

Safety Considerations
The safety issue is not to be taken lightly. Since the start of the Operation Iraqi Freedom many terrorist attacks have targeted Coalition Forces throughout Iraq, and the Japanese make every effort to reduce the risk of falling victim to such an attack. In order to achieve this level of safety intelligence reports are of paramount importance.

Reports come in every day containing information pertaining to current operations and recent incidents in the area. The release of this information needs to be carefully controlled in order not to jeopardize current and future operations. The press also is kept on a short leash inside and outside the base. Camp layouts and routines can compromise the safety of the troops when leaked and need to be kept confidential.

To further reduce the risk of terrorist attacks the press is informed only an hour before presentations are made in the area. Through releasing this information at the last moment, planning an attack becomes near impossible for possible terrorists.

The people here are only too happy to see the Japanese coming, and expectations are high. These expectations, however, can pose a risk in itself. The Iraqi people are often expecting too much from the Japanese, which, through disappointment and frustration, may ultimately result in possible unrest in the area.

Anti Tank mine?

A few days after moving into their new camp an anti-tank mine was uncovered during ground work about 10 meters from the access road. Upon discovery the Dutch Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD), who recover several hundred kilos of explosives every month in the Al Muthanna province, was immediately contacted.

Photos of the mine were taken to the Dutch camp for identification, which were important to know how to proceed with deactivating the mine. Unable to identify the mine from records the EOD decided to study the mine on site.

Traffic from and to the camp was stopped to prevent ground vibrations, and by poking into the ground under the mine with a long pin the EOD checked for booby traps. When there didn't seem to be any hidden explosives, the mine was pulled with a long rope from behind cover. Finally, after being recovered, the mine turned out to be a large brake disc, probably from a tank.

Even though there was doubt whether it really was a mine before the actual recovery began, all precautions were taken. One can never be too careful when it comes to mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). A point which became painfully clear to the people of As Samawah on March 27, when two children were tragically killed after playing soccer with an unexploded rocket propelled grenade (RPG) they had found.

Japanese commander Colonel Bansho meets with local officials.

Keeping a good relation going with the local population is imperative for a successful mission. Frequent visits to local sheiks help keep the local population informed of the proposed developments in the area. Major events are announced to the local press so that the work done gets sufficient coverage. It is important to tell people what is being done, and to make sure that they see the results. Lack of information can create dissatisfaction, which in turn can lead to local unrest.

All projects taken on by the Japanese division are discussed and coordinated with the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and CiMiC (Civil Military Cooperation) to prevent different divisions taking on the same project. This also ensures that no money or manpower is wasted. When funding local projects, close supervision is maintained to make sure that all money ends up where it is supposed to.

The bathhouse in the Japanese camp

The camp is still fairly primitive. Everyone sleeps in small tents, there are no showers, and food is prepared in an open air kitchen, but luxury and relaxation are not forgotten. One of the most impressive features is the hot-spring like bathhouse which was erected in one of the tents. Here, in true Japanese fashion, ranks are forgotten and everyone becomes an equal. The presence of the Dutch liaison team seems to add to the experience for the Japanese as they wonder how well we can adapt to their customs.

Food at this moment still mostly consists of rations, ranging from yakitori (or chicken) to o-den (a selection of boiled vegetables and pastries made of ground fish). Sometimes small side dishes are prepared, and sweets like Pocky chocolate sticks or sembei rice crackers are given in addition.

Hina dolls display. The intense heat during the day warped the small lanterns in the display.

Japanese festivals also get the attention they deserve. Leading into March 3rd, known in Japan as the Hina Matsuri or Girls' Festival, a small display featuring the traditional Hina dolls was placed on the camp. As a token of appreciation for all the support the Dutch Detachment had offered the Japanese Division, one such display was presented to the Dutch Battle Group. Unfortunately the strict "no alcohol policy" prevented the troops from enjoying the traditional drinking of sake.

The first deployment of female Japanese soldiers.

On March 21st, a new batch of Japanese military, including 11 female soldiers, arrived in Iraq. This event has drawn major attention from the Japanese and foreign press. The convoy was followed by a parade of press vehicles from the moment they left Camp Virginia in Kuwait up until Camp Samawah. After the formal reception at the base, the press were offered the opportunity to ask some questions. Through lucky coincidence, the spectacle was cut short by a sudden sandstorm, giving the new arrivals their much deserved rest after the long trip as they would start work the very next day.

Continued coverage
My tour here will last for at least four months, with the possibility of extending it to eight. I will keep reporting from this location during my stay, and provide inside information on the development of this historic Japanese mission.