In an effort to address a shortage of Self-Defense Forces personnel, the government has introduced measures to improve working conditions, including revising the pay structure and increasing duty allowances.

To support these initiatives, ¥409.7 billion ($2.7 billion) has been earmarked in the fiscal 2025 draft budget.

With Japan facing an increasingly severe regional security environment, securing personnel for key national defense roles has become an urgent priority.

Improving conditions for SDF personnel is a key policy focus for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. In December, a panel headed by the prime minister and involving relevant ministers compiled a basic plan to implement these measures.

The government's response reflects a growing sense of urgency over an acute labor shortage in the SDF. Recruitment has consistently fallen short of targets, with only about 10,000 personnel hired in fiscal 2023 — half of the quota of about 20,000.

The basic policy emphasizes the need for a stable and sufficient number of skilled SDF personnel, saying, "To truly achieve a significant strengthening of defense capabilities, securing a stable number of highly skilled SDF members continually is essential."

At a December meeting, Ishiba underscored the importance of addressing the shortage, positioning it as his administration's top priority. "The government must work as a whole," he said.

A key pillar of the measures is improving remuneration for SDF personnel. The basic policy calls for revising the pay structure, currently based on the public security service salary table used for police officers, in fiscal 2028. The goal is to raise SDF salaries to levels that better reflect the demands of their duties and the constraints of their working environment.

Special duty allowances will also be expanded. Eight new categories will be introduced, including allowances for air control services and field exercises. Additionally, for 25 existing allowances, such as those for disaster work, the payment amounts or the scope of activities covered will be increased.

With the security environment becoming increasingly complex, the government hopes to attract high-quality personnel by ensuring that demanding missions are properly recognized and rewarded.

The basic policy also includes plans to provide up to ¥1.2 million in designated area living adjustment fees over six years, starting from enrollment, for SDF members stationed at garrisons and bases.

According to the Defense Ministry, 6,258 SDF personnel left mid-career in fiscal 2023, the highest number since fiscal 1992. At that time the SDF was still struggling to maintain ranks due to the lingering effects of Japan's bubble economy, which peaked in the late 1980s.

With the SDF retirement age set at 56 for most personnel, earlier than that of most civil servants, many SDF members have expressed concern about their post-retirement livelihoods.

To address this situation, the policy includes plans to raise the retirement age and strengthen career transition support. The government plans to discuss extending the retirement age for rank-and-file SDF members by about two years in or after fiscal 2028, with a final decision expected by this summer.

To support former SDF personnel, relevant ministries and agencies will collaborate with industry groups to help them secure new employment opportunities in which they can apply the skills and knowledge gained during their time in the SDF.

The government will also streamline the process for acquiring public qualifications, such as those for aircraft mechanics and marine engineers, making it easier for SDF members to transition to civilian roles after retirement.

Young people are increasingly prioritizing a healthy work-life balance, leading to a shift in attitudes toward work. The basic policy acknowledges this change, noting, "As an organization of people, the SDF faces the urgent challenge of transforming itself to align with broader societal shifts."

The Defense Ministry plans to establish a new department under the Bureau for Personnel and Education during the next fiscal year, set to run from April, to expedite efforts to strengthen human capital.

At a news conference, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani emphasized, "We plan to widely publicize (these measures) to help boost recruitment of SDF personnel."