Japan lawmakers propose allowing SDF personnel to work until 65

A Japanese parliamentary league has drawn up a draft proposal calling for Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel to be allowed to continue working until the age of 65 if they wish to do so, sources said.

The proposal was drafted by the bipartisan group of lawmakers supporting SDF personnel, retired SDF members and their families, in a bid to ensure job security for SDF personnel, many of whom are forced to retire in their mid-50s under the early retirement system.

It calls for allowing SDF personnel to continue working as civil servants at the Defense Ministry or other government agencies until age 65.

In its proposal, the group argues that support for SDF personnel and their families throughout their lives should be positioned as a key pillar of security policy in three security-related documents to be revised by the end of this year.

It also proposes establishing an agency to support retired SDF members and their families.

Specific measures include the early introduction of free medical care for SDF personnel, as well as financial support for associations for SDF personnel and their families and retired SDF members.

The draft further calls for childcare and nursing care support, assistance for family members seeking employment when SDF personnel are transferred and support for children changing nursery schools or schools.