Ground Self-Defense Force Kisarazu Garrison 1st Helicopter Brigade Pilot

Visit to the Self-Defense Forces - Ground Self-Defense Force
Pilots who "see, shoot, and transport" support the field from the sky
Ground Self-Defense Force Kisarazu Garrison 1st Helicopter Brigade Pilot

Pilots are responsible for delivering aircraft safely and quickly to their destination when carrying out a mission. We spoke to both Enomoto and Mori about the sense of mission they feel when they sit in the cockpit.

■Please tell us how you became a pilot.

Enomoto: It all started when I came across the Self-Defense Forces website in my third year of junior high school. I couldn't imagine taking over the family farm in Hokkaido, where my parents live, and was looking for a different career path when I learned about the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Technical College. I was interested in physical activity and vehicles, so rather than being anxious, I decided to enroll on impulse. Of the many jobs available, pilots have a particularly cool image, so I looked into which unit in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force I could become a pilot, and joined.

Mori: I've loved airplanes since I was a child, and when I was in junior high school I was approached at a base where I went to look at aircraft. At the time I couldn't imagine what an office job would be like, but the Self-Defense Forces were a good idea. I could imagine what I would be like in the future, and I thought it might bring me a little closer to my favorite airplanes, so I decided to become a pilot. The Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Air Self-Defense Force also recruit pilots, but the number of positions available was small, so I ended up deciding to become a pilot in the Ground Self-Defense Force.

■What kind of work do you do?

Mori: The JGSDF's aircraft are primarily responsible for three functions: "see, shoot, and transport." These include "reconnaissance (seeing)," which involves scouting disaster sites and enemy intelligence; "attack (shooting)," which involves attacking in emergencies; and "transport (transport)," which involves transporting people and supplies to the scene. I'm primarily responsible for transport, and in the case of forest fires I carry large buckets to put out fires from the air and transport paratroopers to the scene. The helicopters we use can carry around 30 people at a time and can also carry luggage from the belly of the aircraft, so when we receive a request for deployment, we load up with personnel and supplies and head off to support the scene.

Enomoto: I'm mainly in charge of reconnaissance. The aircraft used by this unit are fixed-wing, and are characterized by their ability to fly faster and longer than other aircraft. Therefore, when something happens, we rush to the scene, report the situation to headquarters, and escort the commander to the scene, playing the role of "the eyes of the unit." In this way, each unit operates in a way that allows them to demonstrate their respective capabilities according to the characteristics of their aircraft. Also, when flying, we are responsible for flight plans, aircraft maintenance, and post-mission results analysis, and we always train to be able to perform at our best in an emergency.

■Is there anything you are conscious of when working?

Mori: It's safety management. We work in the sky, but to accomplish our missions, we have to cooperate with ground forces on the ground. That's why we make sure they understand the aircraft so that we can work together smoothly. For example, we tell them that helicopters have propellers not only on the top but also on the bottom, so that they don't get too close and keep a safe distance. We want to continue to focus on communicating with members of different specialties.

Enomoto: I think decision-making ability is also important. The aircraft is moving at high speed with many personnel and supplies on board, so as a pilot you have to quickly assess the situation while flying. It can be difficult to make decisions taking into account all the information, such as the situation at the scene and weather information, but that makes it all the more rewarding when you finish your mission and land on the ground.

■Message to junior and senior high school students

Enomoto: I want them to make it a priority to go outside and play with friends. Talking to people helps improve communication skills, organizes the information they gather, and allows them to think and make decisions on their own. I think this will be useful when working together with others to complete tasks.

Mori: There are actually a variety of careers available in the Self-Defense Forces. There are jobs such as piloting aircraft, commanding on-site, and being an English instructor for international work. You can also become a pilot in the Ground Self-Defense Force, so I encourage you to come and join the Self-Defense Forces. I'm sure you'll see many future possibilities.

Junior and Senior High School Newspaper April 2025 Issue, Sophia University 4rd Year Student, Minami Yoshikawa

Musashino University 4th year student Nishiyama Ryusei / Tsuda University 1st year student Ishimatsu Karin / Toyo University 2nd year student Koshiyama Rinno / Sophia University 3rd year student Yoshikawa Minami