A recent report from a high-powered U.S. commission reviewing the Pentagon’s National Defense Strategy has recommended upgrading the military command in Japan to a four-star general with operational duties. This suggestion comes just days after officials announced a major overhaul for the command in Japan.
Despite this recommendation, the U.S. military commander in Japan will remain a three-star general, maintaining a difference in rank from their Self-Defense Forces counterpart in Tokyo. The bipartisan panel, meeting every four years to create reviews based on input from various sources, commended U.S. efforts to strengthen partnerships in Asia in response to Chinese provocations.
The commission’s report published on Monday highlighted the importance of diplomatic and defense efforts in the region. The push for a higher-ranking U.S. military commander in Japan underscores the evolving dynamics of security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.