noun
leading private (JSDF)
A rank in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, equivalent to a senior enlisted soldier. Used in military contexts.
彼は自衛隊で士長として勤務している。
He serves as a leading private in the Self-Defense Forces.
Compound of 士 (warrior, soldier) and 長 (leader, chief). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term is used as a specific rank designation in the modern JSDF.