The is one of nine active divisions of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The division is subordinated to the Western Army and is headquartered in Kumamoto. Its responsibility is the defense of the Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures.
The division was raised on 18 January 1962. Organization
8th Division, in Kumamoto 8th Division HQ, in Kumamoto 12th Infantry Regiment, in Kirishima, with 1 × headquarters, four Type 73 armored personnel carrier, and 1 × 120 mm mortar company 42nd Rapid Deployment Regiment, in Kumamoto, with 1 × headquarters, three Type 96 armored personnel carrier, 1 × Type 16 maneuver combat vehicle, and 1 × 120 mm F1 mortar company 43rd Infantry Regiment, in Miyakonojō, with 1 × headquarters, four Type 73 armored personnel carrier, and 1 × 120 mm mortar company Amami Security Unit, Amami, with 1 × headquarters, 1 × infantry, and 1 × logistic support company 8th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, in Kumamoto, with Type 81 and Type 93 surface-to-air missile systems 8th Engineer Battalion (Combat), in Satsumasendai 8th Signal Battalion, in Kumamoto 8th Reconnaissance Company, in Kumamoto, with Type 87 reconnaissance vehicles 8th Intelligence Company, in Kumamoto, with ScanEagle 8th Aviation Squadron, in Mashiki, flying UH-1J and OH-6D helicopters 8th NBC-defense Company, in Kumamoto Western Army Tank Battalion, in Kusu, with Type 10 main battle tanks and Type 96 armored personnel carriers (administrative control during peacetime) Western Army Anti-tank/Anti-ship Company, in Kusu, with Type 96 multi-purpose missile system (administrative control during peacetime) 8th Logistic Support Regiment, in Kumamoto 1st Maintenance Battalion 2nd Maintenance Battalion Supply Company Medical Company Transport Company
References
External links Homepage 8th Division (Japanese)