[3.11 Earthquake: Rebuilding] Let’s Not Pretend Operation Tomodachi Was A Success

<p>Grant Newham writes that while Operation TOMODACHI did highlight effective joint operations between the MSDF and U.S. Navy, the broader swaths of Japanese and U.S. militaries had minimal to no capabilities to operate together. In particular, the author highlights that both MSDF and GSDF lacked an amphibious capability and know-how to perform rescue operations in coastal areas during the first 48 hours of the disaster. In addition, simple joint operations between the GSDF and ASDF were never developed, with the result that the MSDF was relegated to mostly standing offshore to pick up dead bodies as they floated by. Finally, a joint command center at Yokota Air Base was never permanently established, even ten years later.&nbsp; In his view, both Japanese and American forces remain unprepared for the next major emergency - whether natural or man-made. In addition,&nbsp;the dearth of detailed analysis of lessons learned from within Japan pointed to a concern that those who offered contrarian points of view that Operational TOMODACHI was not a complete success risked reputational damage from Japanese media, academic and political circles. That is consistent with a national culture that tends to avoid direct confrontation.</p>