Ask John: Does the JSSDF Really Exist?

Question:
In my Asian Studies classes, the defense organization of Japan is refered to as the Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF). In several anime, however, such as Evangelion and Gasaraki, I’ve seen it as the Japanese Special Self Defense Force (JSSDF). Which one is right, or are they both correct?

Answer:
I’m no expert on matters concerning Japanese military, but from what I’ve been able to research, the Japanese national self defense force was established in 1954 under three branches, the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF), the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF), and the Air Self Defense Force (ASDF), which are collectively known as the Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF). I haven’t been able to find any factual references mentioning JSSDF. It’s very possible that the extra “S” for “Special” is nothing more than an anime standard that gets used in various shows, similar to the “o-parts” conceit that appears in Master Mosquiton and Future Boy Conan 2: Tiga Adventure, and the metal “orihalcon” which gets mentioned in Slayers and Hyper Police, among other shows. The JSSDF is most likely a fictional, super high-tech branch of the real Japanese military force.