Japan Ground Self-Defense Force; JGSDF
Official name of Japan's army-equivalent land force. Often abbreviated as 陸自 (りくじ) in news and conversation.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is also active in disaster relief operations.
After graduating from university, he joined the JGSDF.
My older brother joined the Ground Self-Defense Force right after graduating high school.
The Ground Self-Defense Force was dispatched to the disaster-stricken area.
海上自衛隊 is the Maritime Self-Defense Force (Japan's navy-equivalent), distinct from 陸上自衛隊, the land-based force.
航空自衛隊 is the Air Self-Defense Force, Japan's air-power branch, as opposed to 陸上自衛隊, which handles ground operations.