15th Brigade (Japan)

The 15th Brigade (第15旅団) is one of eight active brigades of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The brigade is subordinated to the Western Army and is headquartered in Naha, Okinawa. Its responsibility is the defense of Okinawa Prefecture.



History
The 15th Brigade was raised to replace the 1st Combined Brigade on March 26, 2010.

Organization

 * 15th Brigade, in Naha
 * 15th Brigade HQ, in Naha
 * 51st Infantry Regiment note 1, in Naha
 * 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, in Yaese, with three Type 3 Chū-SAM, and one Type 11 Surface-to-air missile battery
 * Miyako Area Security Force, in Miyakojima
 * 15th Reconnaissance Company, in Naha, with Type 87 armored reconnaissance vehicles
 * 15th Combat Engineer Company, in Naha
 * 15th Signal Company, in Naha
 * 15th Aviation Squadron, in Naha, flying UH-60JA and CH-47J/JA helicopters
 * 15th NBC-defense Company, in Naha
 * 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, in Naha
 * 15th Logistic Support Battalion, in Naha

note 1: Infantry Regiments have only battalion strength.