Republic of China Army

Republic of China Army
孫兆漢（陸軍官校十九期砲科，時任陸軍參謀） · Public domain · source
Unit name	Republic of China Army
Native name	中華民國陸軍
Caption	Emblem of the Republic of China Army
Founded	16 June 1924
Country	Republic of China
Branch	Republic of China Armed Forces
Type	Army
Role	Land warfare
Size	130,000 active personnel (2024)
Command structure	Ministry of National Defense
Garrison	Longtan, Taoyuan City
Garrison label	Headquarters
Current commander	General Chung Yen-ming
Commander1 label	Commander

Republic of China Army. As the dominant land component of the Republic of China Armed Forces, it is primarily responsible for the defense of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and the Matsu Islands against potential invasion. Tracing its origins to the Whampoa Military Academy and the National Revolutionary Army, it has evolved from a continental force into a modernized defensive army focused on asymmetric warfare. The service operates under the strategic guidance of the Ministry of National Defense and coordinates closely with the Republic of China Navy and Republic of China Air Force.

History

The army's institutional lineage begins with the establishment of the Whampoa Military Academy in 1924 under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek, forming the core of the National Revolutionary Army which undertook the Northern Expedition to unify China. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, it engaged in major campaigns like the Battle of Shanghai and Battle of Wuhan against the Imperial Japanese Army. Following the Chinese Civil War, its remnants retreated to Taiwan after the Government of the Republic of China relocated in 1949, with critical defensive actions occurring in battles such as the Battle of Guningtou on Kinmen. Throughout the Cold War, it received substantial material support from the United States under the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty and focused on countering the People's Liberation Army. The modern force has undergone significant transformation since the Taiwan Relations Act, shifting from a posture of counterattack to one of resolute defense, with continued development under initiatives like the National Defense Act.

Organization

The army is organized under the Army Command Headquarters in Longtan, which oversees three primary combatant commands: the Sixth Army Corps responsible for northern Taiwan, the Tenth Army Corps guarding central regions, and the Eighth Army Corps deployed in the south. Key subordinate units include the 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion and the 862nd Armored Brigade, with specialized forces like the Army Aviation and Special Forces Command operating UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The Kinmen Defense Command and Matsu Defense Command represent forward-deployed garrisons on the offshore islands, while the Republic of China Military Academy in Fengshan District serves as the primary officer training institution. This structure is integrated into the broader joint command framework of the Republic of China Armed Forces.

Equipment

The army's main battle tank fleet is centered on upgraded M60 Patton variants and locally developed CM-11 Brave Tiger and CM-12 tanks, with future modernization plans involving the procurement of M1A2T Abrams from the United States. Infantry fighting vehicles include the CM-32 and CM-33 Cloud Leopard armored vehicles, while artillery systems feature the M109A6 Paladin and indigenous Kestrel multiple launch rocket system. Anti-tank capabilities are provided by BGM-71 TOW and FGM-148 Javelin missiles, and air defense relies on the AN/TWQ-1 Avenger and Sky Sword missile systems. Rotary-wing assets consist of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters, with logistical support from a fleet of Humvees.

Training and doctrine

Doctrine is formulated by the Army Training and Doctrine Command, emphasizing joint operations with the Republic of China Navy and Republic of China Air Force under concepts like the Overall Defense Concept. Annual exercises such as Han Kuang exercise test mobilization and defense scenarios against amphibious assault, while unit-level training includes the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise at the Jioupeng Military Base. Specialized training is conducted at the Army Airborne Training Center for paratroopers and the Army Chemical School for CBRN defense. Officer education occurs at the Republic of China Military Academy, with senior staff attending the Taiwan National Defense University. The doctrine prioritizes asymmetric tactics, urban warfare, and the use of coastal defense cruise missiles to counter a potential blockade or invasion by the People's Liberation Army.

Role and deployments

Its primary mission is the territorial defense of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and the Matsu Islands, maintaining a permanent garrison presence on the frontline islands of Kinmen and Matsu under their respective defense commands. The army supports civil authorities during natural disasters like Typhoon Morakot through the Military Police Command and provides security for critical infrastructure including Taoyuan International Airport and Taiwan Power Company facilities. It participates in international cooperation activities such as the Pacific Eagle training exchange and hosts observerships for personnel from allied nations. In conjunction with the Coast Guard Administration, it also contributes to maritime law enforcement and anti-piracy operations in the Taiwan Strait.