On September 17, the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) held the “JAF Road Service Special Support Team Training” at the JAF Central Training Center (Tama City, Tokyo).
This training was designed to strengthen coordination with the police during disasters and improve support systems for disaster-stricken areas. Participants included the Tama Chuo Police Station and other nearby police stations from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, as well as the Special Rescue Team Instruction Unit of the Disaster Response Division, the Mobile Rescue Unit of the 4th Mobile Unit (Mobile Rescue Unit), as well as 40 members of JAF’s Road Service Special Support Team.
The JAF Road Service Special Support Team was established in 2004, with members selected from among road service personnel nationwide based on their technical skills, driving ability, patience, and teamwork. This is truly a special team that carries out rescue operations in coordination with relevant agencies, such as the police and local governments, when disasters occur; it was also deployed during the torrential rains that struck Chiba in August 2026.
In addition, the new disaster response team “JAF-FAST (JAF-First Action Support Team),” established in April 2026, also participated this time. By quickly assessing the situation on the ground, selecting the necessary work vehicles and equipment, and determining which tasks should be prioritized, the team aims to support the smooth operations of the follow-up units.
This training exercise was designed to simulate the increasing number of flood disasters in recent years, and two different scenarios were prepared as part of the “Training Exercise for Removing Abandoned Vehicles and Other Obstructions During Disasters.” The exercise featured hands-on training to verify the swift and precise coordination required at actual disaster sites.
© Source travel watch