Japan Defense Ministry intends to allow female crew members to serve on Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines, ending a policy of having men-only crews.
This change is aimed at alleviating a personnel shortage arising from the MSDF’s expanding range of duties and the nation’s chronically low birthrate. The ministry aims to have female SDF personnel serving on submarines from about 2023.
The change also will end the restrictions on positions female personnel can hold in the Self-Defense Forces, except for certain positions in the Ground Self-Defense Force that are restricted due to legal constraints.
