Full Description
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the largest army in the world.
China is predicted to be on the brink of overtaking the USA as the world's largest economy, and China's military capabilities and global ambitions are the single greatest long-term pre-occupation of Western governments. The PLA has progressed steadily - if slowly - since its creation in 1949, from a mass army of unsophisticated infantry limited to 'human wave' tactics into a highly sophisticated force with wide capabilities.
More recent reforms (1989 to the 2010s) have been made possible by massive economic liberalization, and have seen not only the modernization of all the armed forces but the beginnings of global outreach, even including Chinese participation in UN peace-keeping missions to Africa, the Middle East, and Haiti.
Featuring rare photographs and specially commissioned color artwork, this study explores the developing structure, organization, equipment, appearance, and character of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from its creation until today.
Contents
Introduction
Chronology
Component forces: the PLA regular and reserve forces, the People's Armed Police, and the People's Militia
Organization: command levels, educational institutions, defence industries, military regions, local commands, tactical organization (from squad to army group), airborne forces, border security, commissar system
Personnel: conscription and training, NCOs, officer corps, reserves, militia
People's Armed Police
Force reduction
Tactical doctrine
Uniforms: Types 50, 55, 58, 65, 66, 72, 83, 89, 97, 07
Key equipment: small arms, light weapons, armored fighting vehicles
Plate commentaries
Index
