U.S. Forces Japan boosts personnel as transformation takes shape, commander says

The transformation of the U.S. military in Japan into a “warfighting” force has made quick progress, its commander said in a recent interview, as it expands its headquarters while working closely with its Japanese counterpart organization.

Speaking with The Japan Times and other media outlets at the Japanese Defense Ministry in Tokyo, U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost revealed Friday that some 215 personnel had been added to the headquarters since last year, as a shift to give USFJ more authority entered a second phase, with a planned third and final stage set to conclude in spring 2028. 

Jost emphasized that, thanks to this increase in personnel, “we have the number of personnel that can sustain 24/7 operations” across all combat functions, including logistics and medical services, as he expressed an intention to develop a posture with potential crises in mind.