The date on this photo is January 1950. If so, these guys are part of the fight against China rather than Japan. Therefore this is more likely a WWII photo.
“KACHIN TRIBESMEN OF NORTH BURMA AID ALLIES IN WAR AGAINST THE JAPANESE”
Jeep drivers pause at an overnight shelter during a long run through a Japanese-held jungle. Kachin forces use airplanes, jeeps, mules and elephant to negotiate the remote jungle trails in their relentless stalking of the Japanese.”