noun
member of the Japan Self-Defense Forces
Refers to an individual serving in the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).
彼は自衛隊員として災害派遣に参加した。
He participated in disaster relief as a member of the Self-Defense Forces.
自衛隊 refers to the Japan Self-Defense Forces as an organization, while 自衛隊員 refers to an individual member.
Compound of 自衛 (self-defense) + 隊 (corps, unit) + 員 (member).