The United States/Japan responsibility sharing for the Marine Corps forces

Abstract

This thesis provides a historical background and current status of United States/Japan defense responsibility sharing. it is not an attempt to determine whether Japan is contributing her fair share to the common defense or enjoying a free ride. This thesis examines the following financial issues: (1) With reduced Department of Defense appropriated fund support and no reduction in the Japan-related mission and/or support requirements, can the United States look to the Government of Japan (GOJ) to reduce the cost of this commitment?; (2) What is the current status of the United States/Japan responsibility sharing? What activities does the GOJ currently support?; (3) What changes may be anticipated in Japanese contributions to support United States forces; (4) What changes may be expected in the next ten to 15 years in United States/Japan responsibility sharing, particularly in view of actual and potential United States force structure reductions