EMPIRE OF JAPAN
 


 
FLAGS OF THE GROUND SELF-DEFENSE FORCE
 

The flag  of the Japanese Army, known as the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF), is a variant of the well-known Rising Sun Flag of the Maritime Self-Defense Force.; it was adopted in 1954 when the Japanese armed forces were reestablished.

The GSDF has a standardized system of distinguishing flags for groups/regiments, battalions and companies. All unit flags bear the emblem of the GSDF, a stylized cherry blossom within a wreath, all in golden yellow. (The cherry blossom is a traditional symbol of the Japanese soldier.) The field of the flag is in the primary branch color of the unit and the horizontal stripe or stripes are in the secondary branch color, e.g. red and white for infantry. The number of stripes indicates the size of the unit: group/regiment three stripes, battalion two stripes, company one stripe. In the lower hoist is a white rectangular panel on which is inscribed the unit designation. It should be noted that some Japanese regiments have only one battalion and in such cases the battalion-echelon flag is issued, as shown below for the 18th Infantry Regiment. The group designation is used for multi-battalion formations of branches that do not have a regimental organization, such as aviation.

There are three general officer ranks: General, Lieutenant General and Major General. Their flags, however, correspond to echelon of command rather than to rank: chief of staff, area army, division or brigade. All are white and bear the emblem of the GSDF under from four to two smaller cherry blossoms. Usually there is only one full general on active duty, serving as the GSDF Chief of Staff; his flag displays four cherry blossoms. A lieutenant general commanding one of the GSDF's five area armies has a flag with three blossoms and a horizontal stripe; for a division commander the stripe is omitted. Major generals in command of brigades have a flag with two blossoms. The division and brigade commanders' flags are also used by lieutenant generals and major generals respectively serving in staff positions.
 



 

FLAG OF THE GROUND SELF-DEFENSE FORCE

 

UNIT FLAGS

 

NORTHERN ARMY AVIATION GROUP

 

18th INFANTRY REGIMENT

 

9th ARMORED BATTALION

 

12th ARTILLERY BATTALION

 

5th COMBAT ENGINEER COMPANY

 

25th MILITARY POLICE COMPANY

 

303rd SUPPORT COMPANY

 

APPOINTMENT & RANK FLAGS

 

CHIEF OF STAFF, GROUND SELF-DEFENSE FORCE

 

COMMANDING GENERAL OF AN ARMY

 

COMMANDING GENERAL OF A DIVISION

 

COMMANDING GENERAL OF A BRIGADE
 



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