People's Liberation Army Ground Force

{{Short description|Chinese land warfare service branch}} {{hatnote|"Chinese Ground Forces" redirect here; not to be confused with Republic of China Army. For other uses, see Chinese Army (disambiguation).}} {{More citations needed|date=April 2020}} {{Infobox military unit | unit_name = People's Liberation Army Ground Force | native_name = {{lang|zh-cn|中国人民解放军陆军}} | image = The emblem of People's Liberation Army Ground Force.png | image_size = 250px | caption = Emblem of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force | start_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes| 1 August 1927}} | country = {{PRC}} | allegiance = {{CCP flag}} | branch = | type = Army | role = Land warfare | size = 960,000 active personnel {{small|(2025)}}{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=240}} | command_structure = {{armed forces|China}} | garrison = Central Military Commission | garrison_label = Headquarters | nickname = | patron = | motto = "Serve the people!" ({{zh|s=为人民服务}}) "Follow the Party! Fight to win! Forge exemplary conduct!" ({{zh|s=听党指挥、能打胜仗、作风优良}})<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-defence-idUSKBN1AF00J |title=China's Xi calls for building elite forces during massive military parade |website=Reuters |date=30 July 2017 |first1=Michael |last1=Martina |first2=Ben |last2=Blanchard }}</ref> | colors = {{color box|{{Party color|Communist Party of China}}}} Red {{color box|#008000}} Green | colors_label = Colors | march = March of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force | mascot = | battles = {{blist|Chinese Civil War (1927-37, 1945-49)|Second Sino Japanese War (1937-45)|Korean War (1950-53)|Campaign at the China–Burma border (1960-61)|Sino-Indian War (1962)|Vietnam War (1962-75)|Nathu La and Cho La clashes (1967)|Sino-Soviet border conflict (1969)|Sino-Vietnamese War (1979)|Sino-Vietnamese conflicts 1979-90 (1979-90)|1999 East Timorese crisis|Northern Mali conflict (2012–23)|South Sudanese Civil War (2013-20)|2020–2021 China–India skirmishes (2020–21)}} | anniversaries = 1 August annually | battle_honours =  | commander1 = General Vacant | commander1_label = Commander | commander2 = General Zhang Shuguang (Acting) | commander2_label = Political Commissar | commander3 = General Cai Zhijun | commander3_label = Chief of Staff | notable_commanders =  | identification_symbol = 125px | identification_symbol_label = Symbol | identification_symbol_2 = 125px | identification_symbol_2_label = Flag | identification_symbol_3 = 100px | identification_symbol_3_label = Sleeve badge | equipment = List of PLAGF equipment | module = {{Infobox Chinese | showflag = stp | s = 中国人民解放军陆军 | t = 中國人民解放軍陸軍 | p = Zhōngguó Rénmín Jiěfàngjūn Lùjūn | mi = {{IPAc-cmn|zh|ong|1|g|uo|2|-|r|en|2|m|in|2|-|j|ie|3|f|ang|4|j|vn|1|-|l|u|4|j|vn|1}} | w = {{tone superscript|Chung1-kuo2 Jen2-min2 Chieh3-fang4-chün1 Lu4-chün1}} | bpmf = ㄓㄨㄥˉ ㄍㄨㄛˊ ㄖㄣˊ ㄇㄧㄣˊ ㄐㄧㄝˇ ㄈㄤˋ ㄐㄩㄣˉ ㄌㄨˋ ㄐㄩㄣˉ | tp = Jongguó Rénmín Jiěfàngjūn Lùjūn | myr = Jūnggwó Rénmín Jyěfàngjyūn Lùhjyūn | suz = Tson1-kueq7 Gnin2-min2 Cia3-faon5-ciun1 Loq8-ciun1 | j = zung1 gwok3 jan4 man4 gaai2 fong3 gwan1 luk6 gwan1 | ci = {{IPAc-yue|z|ung|1|gw|ok|3|-|j|an|4|m|an|4|-|g|aai|2|f|ong|3|gw|an|1|-|l|uk|6|gw|an|1}} | poj = Tiong-kok Lîn-bîn Kiat-hòng-kun La̍k-kun | tl = Tiong-kok Lîn-bîn Kiat-hòng-kun La̍k-kun | h = Chûng-koet Ngìn-mìn Ká-fong Kién-liuk Kién | xej = {{Script/Nastaliq|ژْوڭقُو رِنْمِنْجِيَ فَانْجُنْ لُوجُنْ}} | child = yes}} }}

The '''People's Liberation Army Ground Force'''{{efn|{{zh|s=中国人民解放军陆军|p=Zhōngguó Rénmín Jiěfàngjūn Lùjūn}}}} ('''PLAGF'''), also referred to as the '''PLA Army''',{{sfn|Saunders et al.|2019|p=77}} is the land warfare service branch of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and also its largest and oldest branch. The PLAGF traces its lineage to 1927 as the Chinese Red Army; however, it was not officially established until 1948.

== History ==

In February 1949, the existing large number of armies and divisions were regularized into up to seventy armies of three divisions each. While some, such as the 1st Army, survived for over fifty years, a number were quickly amalgamated and disestablished in the early 1950s. It appears that twenty per cent or even more of the seventy new armies were disestablished up to 1953; in 1952 alone, the 3rd, 4th, 10th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Armies were disbanded.{{cn|date=May 2026}}

The PLAGF consist of conventionally armed main and regional units, which in 1987 made up over 70 percent of the PLA. It provided a good conventional defense, but in 1987 had only limited offensive potential and was poorly equipped for nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare. Main forces included about 35 group armies, comprising 118 infantry divisions, 13 armored divisions, and 33 artillery and antiaircraft artillery divisions, plus 71 independent regiments and 21 independent battalions of mostly support troops.<ref name="CStudyPLA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/87600493/?q=People's+Republic+of+China|title=China: A Country Study |author=Warden, Robert L. |last2=Savada, Andrea |author3=Dolan, Ronald |date=1988|access-date=2017-07-21|website=Library of Congress|first2=Federal Research Division|pages=582–3|language=en}}</ref> Regional forces consisted of 73 divisions of border defense and garrison troops plus 140 independent regiments.{{cn|date=May 2026}}

Under the old system, a field army consisted of three partially motorized infantry divisions and two regiments of artillery and anti-aircraft artillery.<ref name="CStudyPLA" /> Each field army division had over 12,000 personnel in three infantry regiments, one artillery regiment, one armored regiment, and one anti-aircraft artillery battalion. Organization was flexible, the higher echelons being free to tailor forces for combat around any number of infantry divisions. At least theoretically, each division had its own armor and artillery — actual equipment levels were not revealed and probably varied — and the assets at the army level and within the independent units could be apportioned as needed.{{cn|date=May 2026}}

In 1987 the new, main-force group armies typically included 46,300 soldiers in up to four divisions, believed to include infantry, armor, artillery, air defense, airborne, and air support elements.<ref name="CStudyPLA" /> Although the new group armies were supposed to reflect a move to combined-arms operations, because of a lack of mechanization they continued to consist of infantry supported by armor, artillery, and other units. The 13 armored divisions each had 3 regiments and 240 main battle tanks (MBT) but lacked adequate mechanized infantry support.{{cn|date=May 2026}}

There was little evidence of the use of armored personnel carriers during the Sino-Vietnamese border conflict in 1979, and tanks were used as mobile artillery and as support for dismounted infantry. Artillery forces emphasized towed guns, howitzers, and truck-mounted multiple rocket launchers. In the 1980s some self-propelled artillery entered service, but the PLA also produced rocket launchers as a cheaper but not totally effective alternative to self-propelled guns. There was a variety of construction equipment, mobile bridging, trucks, and prime movers. A new multiple rocket launcher for scattering antitank mines appeared in 1979, but mine-laying and mine-clearing equipment remained scarce.{{cn|date=May 2026}}

Regional forces consisted of full-time PLA troops organized as independent divisions for garrison missions.<ref name="CStudyPLA" /> Garrison divisions were static, artillery-heavy units deployed along the coastline and borders in areas of likely attack. Regional forces were armed less heavily than their main-force counterparts, and they were involved in training the militia. They were the PLA units commonly used to restore order during the Cultural Revolution. When chairman Mao proclaimed the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, the PLAGF was a 4.9 million-strong peasant army. After some time, the demobilization of ill-trained and politically unreliable troops began, resulting in the reduction of army strength.{{cn|date=May 2026}}

In the 21st century, the PLAGF are continuing to undergo significant reform, experimentation, modernization, and restructuring to deal with potential threats and enhance their capabilities. Divisions are downsized into combined arms brigades, which reorganized into high-readiness army groups. The division echelon is phased out with only a limited number of division structures remaining existent.<ref name="rd_div">{{cite journal |last1=A. Marvel |first1=Bradley |date= September 2019 |title=The Combined Arms Battalion and Combined Arms Brigade: The New Backbone of the Chinese Army |url=https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/operational-environment-and-threat-analysis-directorate/m/documents/295598 |journal=Red Diamond |volume=10 |issue=3 |page=30 |doi= |access-date=11 May 2021}}</ref> While the size of the PLA Ground Force has been reduced over the past few decades, technology-intensive elements such as special operations forces (SOF), army aviation (helicopters), surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and electronic warfare units have all been rapidly expanded.<ref name="Chinese Ground Forces">{{cite web |url = http://www.sinodefence.com/army/default.asp |title = Chinese Ground Forces |publisher=SinoDefence.com |access-date = 2010-02-12 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131104200224/http://www.sinodefence.com/army/default.asp |archive-date = 2013-11-04 }}</ref>

The latest operational doctrine of the PLAGF highlights the importance of information technology, electronic and information warfare, and long-range precision strikes in future warfare. The older generation telephone/radio-based command, control, and communications (C3) systems are being replaced by integrated battlefield information networks featuring local/wide-area networks (LAN/WAN), satellite communications, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based surveillance and reconnaissance systems, and mobile command and control centers.<ref name="Chinese Ground Forces"/>{{Better source needed|date=April 2020}}

<gallery class="center"> File:Peter Pace shakes hands with a Chinese soldier (Shenyang Base, China, March 24 2007).jpg|Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Peter Pace shakes hands with Chinese tankers at Shenyang in 2007 File:Soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army - 2011.jpg|alt=vehicle with painted camouflage|Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force in 2011 File:Oregon National Guard (38512168642).jpg|PLAGF and Oregon National Guard work alongside during a disaster response exercise in 2017 File:PLASHOOTER2021̠closeup01.jpg|PLAGF infantryman at the International Army Games in 2021 </gallery>

== Structure == {{Main|2015 People's Republic of China military reform}}

[[File:Map of Theatres of PLA en.svg|thumb|The five theater commands of the PLA [https://web.archive.org/web/20160602100343/http://www.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2016%20China%20Military%20Power%20Report.pdf]]]

=== Organization === Command of the Chinese armed forces is exercised by the Central Military Commission (CMC) through the service headquarters, including PLAGF headquarters, and the theater commands (TC). The PLAGF component in each TC is the Theater Command Army. Both PLAGF and TC headquarters exercise control over operational units in peacetime, with the TC taking complete control wartime. The military-political dual-command structure is present throughout.{{sfn|United States Army|2021|pp=2-2 − 2-5}}

Units in sensitive areas, like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, are subordinated directly to PLAGF headquarters.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23321290/2022-military-and-security-developments-involving-the-peoples-republic-of-china.pdf |title=Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China |website=Department of Defense |year=2020 |page=47 }}</ref>

After the 2017 reforms, the PLAGF Headquarter structure is a follows:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2016-01/01/c_1117646667.htm |title=陆军领导机构火箭军战略支援部队成立大会在京举行习近平向中国人民解放军陆军火箭军战略支援部队授予军旗并致训词 |author= |date=2016-01-01 |publisher=新华网 |archive-date=2016-01-01 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160101131113/http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2016-01/01/c_1117646667.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Functional Departments ==== * Staff Department (参谋部)<ref>{{Cite web |title=陆军领导机构火箭军战略支援部队成立大会在京举行习近平向中国人民解放军陆军火箭军战略支援部队授予军旗并致训词，新华网，2016-01-01 |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2016-01/01/c_1117646667.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101131113/http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2016-01/01/c_1117646667.htm |archive-date=2016-01-01 |accessdate=2016-10-21 }}</ref> * PLA Ground Force Political Work Department (政治工作部)<ref>{{Cite web |title=陆军领导机构火箭军战略支援部队成立大会在京举行习近平向中国人民解放军陆军火箭军战略支援部队授予军旗并致训词-新华网 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com//politics/2016-01/01/c_1117646667.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127041034/http://www.xinhuanet.com//politics/2016-01/01/c_1117646667.htm |archive-date=2020-11-27 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=www.xinhuanet.com }}</ref> * PLA Ground Force Logistics Department (后勤部)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2016-01/01/c_1117646667.htm |title=陆军领导机构火箭军战略支援部队成立大会在京举行习近平向中国人民解放军陆军火箭军战略支援部队授予军旗并致训词，新华网，2016-01-01 |accessdate=2016-10-21 |archive-date=2016-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101131113/http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2016-01/01/c_1117646667.htm }}</ref><ref name=hzq>{{Cite web |url=http://news.qq.com/a/20160130/029600.htm |title=原济南军区联勤部部长韩志庆任陆军后勤部部长，腾讯，2016-01-30 |accessdate=2016-10-21 |archive-date=2019-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206124148/https://news.qq.com/a/20160130/029600.htm }}</ref> * PLA Ground Force Equipment Department (装备部)<ref name=zsz>{{Cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/mil/2016-05/18/c_128992957.htm |title=中国陆军装武器备"战场"上获取"准生证"，新华网，2016-05-18 |accessdate=2016-10-21 |archive-date=2017-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220082124/http://news.xinhuanet.com/mil/2016-05/18/c_128992957.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=gb>{{Cite web |url=http://news.163.com/16/0204/18/BF0INCF700014AED.html |title=周松和少将出任陆军副司令员，高波少将出任陆军装备部部长，网易，2016-02-04 |access-date=2016-10-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021194727/http://news.163.com/16/0204/18/BF0INCF700014AED.html |archive-date=2016-10-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=pp>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1468443 |title=原总参陆航部政委马魁出任陆军装备部政委，澎湃新闻，2016-05-12 |accessdate=2016-10-21 |archive-date=2020-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221043024/http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1468443}}</ref> * Supervision Commission (Commission for Discipline Inspection)<ref name="wg">{{Cite web|title=军种部队设专职纪委书记权威性进一步增强|url=http://news.takungpao.com/mainland/focus/2016-01/3262843.html|accessdate=2019-09-13|date=2016-01-04|publisher=大公网|archive-date=2019-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915004354/http://news.takungpao.com/mainland/focus/2016-01/3262843.html}}</ref><ref name="报道1220A">{{cite web|title=《中华人民共和国监察法》释义:第九章附则第六十八条|url=http://www.ccdi.gov.cn/djfg/fgsy/201808/t20180810_177476.html|accessdate=2019-12-20|author=中央纪委国家监委法规室|publisher=中央纪委国家监委网站|archive-date=2020-11-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104071146/http://www.ccdi.gov.cn/djfg/fgsy/201808/t20180810_177476.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="报道1220B">{{cite web|title=新时代中国的国防|url=http://www.scio.gov.cn/m/zfbps/32832/Document/1660314/1660314.htm|accessdate=2019-08-08|author=国务院新闻办公室|publisher=国务院新闻办公室门户网站|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808112451/http://www.scio.gov.cn/m/zfbps/32832/Document/1660314/1660314.htm|archive-date=2019-08-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Theater Command Ground Force Units ====

* Eastern Theater Command ** 71st Group Army, Xuzhou ** 72nd Group Army, Huzhou ** 73rd Group Army, Xiamen * Southern Theater Command, Nanning ** 74th Group Army, Huizhou ** 75th Group Army, Kunming * Western Theater Command, Lanzhou ** 76th Group Army, Xining ** 77th Group Army, Chengdu * Northern Theater Command, Jinan ** 78th Group Army, Harbin ** 79th Group Army, Liaoyang ** 80th Group Army, Weifang * Central Theater Command, Shijiazhuang ** 81st Group Army, Zhangjiakou ** 82nd Group Army, Baoding ** 83rd Group Army, Xinxiang

==== Directly Subordinate Military Districts ==== * Xinjiang Military District * Tibet Military District * Beijing Garrison

==== Directly Subordinate Units ==== * Baicheng Ordnance Test Center (31st Experimental Research Base)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://army.81.cn/content/2017-04/11/content_7558238.htm|title=陆军某基地坚持作战需求锻造制胜利剑|accessdate=2017-04-11|author=|date=2017-04-11|publisher=中国陆军网|archive-date=2017-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719224440/http://army.81.cn/content/2017-04/11/content_7558238.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> * Huayin Weapons Testing Center (32nd Experimental Research Base)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.guancha.cn/military-affairs/2017_05_17_408788.shtml|title=海防、预备役及试验部队转隶陆军助推陆军转型|accessdate=2017-05-17|author=|date=2017-05-17|publisher=观察者网|archive-date=2017-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518224423/http://www.guancha.cn/military-affairs/2017_05_17_408788.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> * Army Research Institute<ref>{{Cite web |title=Army Research Institute |url=https://unitracker.aspi.org.au/universities/army-research-institute/ |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=Chinese Defence Universities Tracker |language=en-au }}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=陆军在南京开了一次座谈会，50余位将校军官和专家学者参加……|url=http://news.ifeng.com/a/20170821/51703109_0.shtml|date=2017-08-21|publisher=凤凰网|access-date=2017-09-28|archive-date=2019-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605195822/http://news.ifeng.com/a/20170821/51703109_0.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=把科技兴军、关爱人才落到实处，为陆军组织的这次学术疗养点赞！|url=http://www.sohu.com/a/194276869_600540|date=2017-09-24|publisher=搜狐|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124011443/http://www.sohu.com/a/194276869_600540|archivedate=2019-01-24|url-status=dead|accessdate=2017-09-28}}</ref> * Dog Training Base<ref>{{Cite web|title=军犬工作发展的特点|url=http://jz.chinamil.com.cn/zhuanti/content/2016-07/04/content_7132232.htm|author=军报记者|date=2016-07-04|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308232702/http://jz.chinamil.com.cn/zhuanti/content/2016-07/04/content_7132232.htm|archivedate=2018-03-08|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=军媒：退役军犬会被贩卖宰杀吗？它们将去向何方？-The Paper |url=https://m.thepaper.cn/wifiKey_detail.jsp?contid=1584091&from=wifiKey# |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=m.thepaper.cn}}</ref>

==== Subordinate Academic Institutions ====

* Ground Force Command College * Army Engineering University of the PLA * Army Infantry College of the PLA * Army Academy of Armored Forces * PLA Army Academy of Artillery and Air Defense * Army Aviation Academy * Army Special Operations Academy * Army Academy of Border and Coastal Defence * Army Institute of NBC Defence * Army Medical University * Army Logistics Academy * Army Military Transportation University

=== Branches of service === The PLAGF has a standing regular army and a reserve force. Although conscription is employed in China by law, mandatory military service has not been implemented since 1949, as the People's Liberation Army has been able to recruit sufficient numbers voluntarily.<ref name=Kang2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.cna.com.tw/news/newsworld/201504020004-1.aspx|title=解放軍地位高農夫搶當兵(The soldiers of PLA are respected, peasants are scrambling to join the army|publisher=（臺灣）中央社(Central Agent (Taiwan))|author=Kang Shi-ren (康世人)|date=2015-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203162818/http://www.cna.com.tw/news/newsworld/201504020004-1.aspx|archive-date=2017-02-03}}</ref> Chinese militia is not a component of the People's Liberation Army, however, they could provide a certain degree of reserve function, which was indicated by "Militia Military Training and Evaluation Outline" released by the People's Liberation Army General Staff Department in 2007.<ref name="PLA_and_Militia">{{cite journal |last1=L. Garcia |first1=Richard |date= September 2019 |title=China's Maritime Militia |url=https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/operational-environment-and-threat-analysis-directorate/m/documents/295598 |journal=Red Diamond |volume=10 |issue=3 |page=11 |doi= |access-date=13 May 2021}}</ref> The Militia is however explicitly not part of the formal Reserve since the passing of the 2022 Reservist Law.<ref name="militia">{{Cite web |last=彭卫彬 |date=2023-12-01 |title=注意国防后备力量内涵之变 |url=http://www.81.cn/szb_223187/gfbszbxq/index.html?paperName=zggfb&paperDate=2023-12-01&paperNumber=03&articleid=920531 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606205858/http://www.81.cn/szb_223187/gfbszbxq/index.html?paperName=zggfb&paperDate=2023-12-01&paperNumber=03&articleid=920531 |archive-date=2024-06-06 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=81.cn}}</ref>

PLAGF branches of service ({{zh|c=兵种|p=Bīngzhǒng}}) are composed of light infantry, mechanized infantry, armour, artillery, air defense, aviation, engineering, CBRN, communications, special operations, logistics, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and unmanned aerial vehicles. These branches of service have their respective military education institutions.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal|last1=Heaton |first1=William R |date=1980 |title=Professional Military Education in China: A Visit to the Military Academy of the People's Liberation Army |journal=The China Quarterly |volume=81 |issue=122 |pages=122–128 |doi=10.1017/S0305741000012182 |jstor=652806 |s2cid=154531064 }}</ref>

=== Operational structure === PLA operational structure reflects China's strategic missions, political environment, and geographical circumstances.<ref name="rd_inter"/> There are 13 corps sized group armies ({{zh|c=集团军|p=Jítuánjūn}}, also known as combined corps) since the end of April 2017, divided among five Theater commands — Eastern, Southern, Northern, Western and Central. Within the group armies, the old divisions ({{zh|c=师|p=Shī}}) are being downsized into brigades ({{zh|c=旅|p=Lǚ}}). Each group army includes six maneuver combined arms brigades, fire support/artillery brigades, air defense brigades, aviation brigades, special operations brigades, combat support brigades, and sustainment brigades.<ref name="rd_inter"/><ref name="benning"/><ref name="mercator"/>{{sfn|United States Army|2021|pp=2-6 − 2-13}}

The maneuver combat components of the group armies are combined arms brigades ({{zh|c=合成旅|p=Héchénglǚ}}), including a mix of heavy combined arms brigades, medium combined arms brigades, light combined arms brigade, amphibious combined arms brigades, and mountain combined arms brigades. The practice is functionally similar to the US Army brigade combat team concept with unique modifications influenced by China's terrain diversity, strategic priority, political system, and military history.<ref name="rd_inter">{{cite journal |last1=A. Marvel |first1=Bradley |date= September 2019 |title=The Combined Arms Battalion and Combined Arms Brigade: The New Backbone of the Chinese Army |url=https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/operational-environment-and-threat-analysis-directorate/m/documents/295598 |journal=Red Diamond |volume=10 |issue=3 |page=46 |doi= |access-date=11 May 2021}}</ref><ref name="benning">{{cite web|url=https://www.benning.army.mil/Infantry/Magazine/issues/2020/Fall/pdf/5_Arostegui-HIMOB.pdf |title=An Introduction to China's High-Mobility Combined Arms Battalion Concept |first=Joshua |last=Arostegui |website=U.S. Army|date=2020 }}</ref><ref name="mercator">{{cite web|last=Singh|first=Mandip|date=23 September 2020|title=Learning from Russia: How China used Russian models and experiences to modernize the PLA|url=https://merics.org/en/report/learning-russia-how-china-used-russian-models-and-experiences-modernize-pla|website=Mercator Institute for China Studies}}</ref>{{sfn|United States Army|2021|pp=2-7 − 2-10}}

The PLA heavy, medium, and light combined arms brigades share a modular construct, resembling its superior and subordinate units at the corps and battalion level. A typical PLAGF combined arms brigade has the brigade HQ, four maneuver combat battalions, and other support battalions. For instance, a heavy combined arms brigade includes four combined arms battalions ({{zh|c=合成营|p=Héchéngyíng}}), one artillery battalion, one air defense battalion, one reconnaissance battalion, one combat support battalion, and one sustainment battalion.<ref name="benning" /><ref name="mercator" />

Combined arms battalions apply a structure drawn from the brigade echelon. For example, heavy combined arms battalions consist of battalions HQ company (including subordinate medic, reconnaissance, and air defense platoons),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guancha.cn/military-affairs/2016_09_29_375784.shtml|title=陆军调整转型方向之一的"合成营"练得如何了？|website=Guancha |language=Chinese |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512150903/https://www.guancha.cn/military-affairs/2016_09_29_375784.shtml |archive-date=12 May 2021}}</ref><ref name="company_com"/> four maneuver combat companies including two tank companies (14 tanks per company), and two mechanized infantry companies (14 vehicles per company),<ref name="battalion_com"/> one firepower company, and one combat support/sustainment company.{{sfn|United States Army|2021|pp=2-13 − 2-15}}<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last1=A. Marvel |first1=Bradley |date= September 2019 |title=The Combined Arms Battalion and Combined Arms Brigade: The New Backbone of the Chinese Army |url=https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/operational-environment-and-threat-analysis-directorate/m/documents/295598 |journal=Red Diamond |volume=10 |issue=3 |page=27 |doi= |access-date=11 May 2021}}</ref>

Before the 2015 reform, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) attributes the PLA Ground Force with nine active armored divisions consisting of a number of armored brigades, 25 infantry divisions (mechanized or motorized), organized into a number of infantry brigades, and 8 artillery divisions, also organized into field artillery brigades. Dennis Blasko wrote in 2000<ref name="Blasko">[https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/conf_proceedings/2008/CF182part2.pdf Chapter 8, PLA Ground Forces], by Dennis J Blasko, in The People's Liberation Army as Organisation, RAND, CF182</ref> that the traditional structure of PLA divisions (armored and mechanized) consisted roughly of three regiments – ''tuan'' ({{zh|c=团|p=Tuán}}) – of the main service arm, each of three battalions ({{zh|s=营 |p=yíng}}) plus support units, a fourth regiment/brigade of infantry (in an armored division) or armor (in an infantry division), a field artillery regiment, an anti-aircraft defense regiment or battalion, and signals, engineer, reconnaissance, and chemical defense battalions or companies, plus combat service support units.<ref name="Blasko" /><ref name=":0" />

=== Special operations forces === {{Main|People's Liberation Army Special Operations Forces}}

The PLA first became interested in modern special warfare in the mid-1980s when it was shifting from the "People's War" to "active defense."<ref name="rd_inter"/> After the reform, PLA special operations forces are organized under the combined corps level, as special operations brigades ({{zh|c=特战旅|p=Tèzhànlǚ}}).<ref name="rd2" /> Special operation brigades provide organic deep reconnaissance and commando operation capability to the combined arms maneuver operations of their respective group armies, and they are highly specialized to operate in their specific theater. Different from Western-style special operations forces, PLAGF special operations brigades focus on operating in conventional military environments with missions focusing on Special Reconnaissance, target acquisition, Direct Action, sabotage, raids, and search and rescue.<ref name="fas"/> The unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, foreign internal defense, civil affairs, and internal security capability in China are covered by People's Armed Police (PAP) special operations units, instead of the military.<ref name="fas">{{cite web |date=9 August 2021|title=Chinese Tactics|url=https://irp.fas.org/doddir/army/atp7-100-3.pdf|website=Federation Of American Scientists}}</ref>

<gallery class="center" widths="200px" heights="150px"> File:Robert Gates Meets Cao.jpg|U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates greets Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing, China on 5 November 2007 File:0B6X7826 (8200668796).jpg|Military guard of the PLAGF in 2012 File:The military parade in honor of the 70-th anniversary of the end of the Second world war 04.jpg|PLAGF infantrymen at the 2015 China Victory Day Parade </gallery>

==Personnel== {{Main|Ranks of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force}}

=== Commissioned officers === The current system of officer ranks and insignia was established in 1988. There are several paths to becoming a commissioned officer, such as joining a military academy, attending a reserve officer program, or a cadre selection program.<ref name="wor_recurit">{{cite web|last1=Clay|first1=Marcus|last2=J. Blasko|first2=Dennis|date=31 July 2020|title=People Win Wars: The PLA enlisted force, and other related matters|url=https://warontherocks.com/2020/07/people-win-wars-the-pla-enlisted-force-and-other-related-matters/|website=War on the Rocks}}</ref>

Officers may use ''Comrade'' to formally address another member of the military ("comrade" plus rank or position, as in "comrade Colonel", "comrade battalion leader", or simply "comrade(s)" when lacking information about the person's rank, or talking to several service people.)<ref name="call">{{cite book |last=Blasco |first=Dennis J |date=2011 |title=The Chinese Army Today: Tradition and Transformation for the 21st Century |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MpCHGYHjyEAC&q=chinese+army+use+comrade+tongzhi&pg=PT61 |edition=2nd |publisher=Routledge |chapter=The Four General Departments |quote=According to regulations, members of the PLA address each other: (1) by their duty position, or (2) by their position plus surname, or (3) by their position plus the title "comrade" (''tongzhi''). When the duty position of the other person is not known, one service member may address the other by military rank plus the word "comrade" or only as comrade. |isbn=978-0-415-78322-4}}</ref> {{PLAGF Officer}}

===Enlisted personnel === The current system of other ranks and insignia dates from 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Clay |first1=Marcus |last2=Blasko |first2=Dennis J. |last3=Lee |first3=Roderick Lee |title= People Win Wars: A 2022 Reality Check on PLA Enlisted Force and Related Matters|url=https://warontherocks.com/2022/08/people-win-wars-a-2022-reality-check-on-pla-enlisted-force-and-related-matters/ |website=War on the Rocks |date=12 August 2022 |access-date=28 March 2024}}</ref> Sergeant and Corporal are referred to as non-commissioned officers. New recruits have no military ranks before the boot camp is completed, and they will be awarded the rank of private after they have graduated from the induction training.<ref name="tiaoli"/> According to Article 16 of Chapter 3 of the "Regulations on the Service of Active Soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army" ({{zh|s=中国人民解放军现役士兵服役条例}}), "The lowest enlisted rank is Private".<ref name="tiaoli">{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.gov.cn/regulatory/2016-02/19/content_4618054.htm|title=中国人民解放军现役士兵服役条例(Regulations on the Service of Active Soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army)|date=19 February 2016 |publisher= Ministry of National Defense|language=Chinese |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117111108/http://www.mod.gov.cn/regulatory/2016-02/19/content_4618054.htm |archive-date=17 November 2017}}</ref>

Conscripts{{efn|The term "conscripts" ({{zh|s=义务兵|p=Yìwùbīng|l=obligated soldier}}) in the PLA refers to all enlisted military personnel regardless of their status as recruited, conscripted, or voluntarily joined. Those who volunteered to join the force are still called "[being] conscripted" by the PLA.<ref name="jamestown_conscription">{{cite journal |last=Allen |first=Kenneth |date=14 January 2022 |title=The Evolution of the PLA's Enlisted Force: Conscription and Recruitment (Part One) |url=https://jamestown.org/program/the-evolution-of-the-plas-enlisted-force-conscription-and-recruitment-part-one/ |journal=China Brief |publisher=Jamestown Foundation |volume=22 |issue=1 |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416185858/https://jamestown.org/program/the-evolution-of-the-plas-enlisted-force-conscription-and-recruitment-part-one/ |url-status=live }}</ref> All enlisted personnel, for the first two years of their service, are designated "conscripts" within the PLA. When the "conscripts" become NCOs, they are sometimes called "volunteers".<ref name="roc_2310">{{cite journal|url=https://www.mnd.gov.tw/NewUpload/202310/p45-65%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%B1%E5%85%B5%E5%BD%B9_412305.pdf |title=從2012～2023年中共兵役制度之變革 |author=謝游麟 |journal=陸軍學術雙月刊 [Army Bimonthly] |publisher=中華民國國防部 [Ministry of National Defense (Republic of China)] |date=October 2023 |volume=59 |issue=591 |doi=10.6892/AB.202310_59(591).0004 }}</ref>}} can be promoted to private first class in their second year. At the end of two years, conscripts may retire or become NCOs if they volunteer, though the position requires at least a high school diploma, specialized skills, or undertaking training courses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalpolicyinsights.org/military-recruitment.php |title=Military Recruitment in the U.S., China, and Russia|website=globalpolicyinsights|date= 15 February 2020|first=Andrei |last=Hluski}}</ref> They can also attend a military academy to become officers after evaluations.<ref name="wor_recurit"/>

In 2014, the position of unit "master chief" or "sergeant major" was established to award experienced NCOs who can assist platoon, company, battalion, and higher commands in leadership and training responsibilities.<ref name="wor_recurit" />

Soldiers may use ''Comrade'' to formally address another member of the military ("comrade" plus rank or position, as in "comrade Sergeant", "comrade squad leader", or simply "comrade(s)" when lacking information about the person's rank, or talking to several service people.)<ref name="call"/> {{PLAGF Other}}

==Equipment== {{Main|List of equipment of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force|List of active People's Liberation Army aircraft#People's Liberation Army Ground Force}}

===Heavy equipment=== thumb|Type 99A main battle tank [[File:China 10th Anniversary Parade in Beijing 05.jpg|thumb|IS-2 tanks on display at the 10th anniversary of the founding of the PRC in 1959]] The PLA Ground Force is heavily mechanized with armored platforms, advanced electronic warfare capability, concentrated firepower, and modern weapon systems that are competitive against Western counterparts.<ref name="rd2">{{cite journal |last1=A. Marvel |first1=Bradley |date= September 2019 |title=The Combined Arms Battalion and Combined Arms Brigade: The New Backbone of the Chinese Army |url=https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/operational-environment-and-threat-analysis-directorate/m/documents/295598 |journal=Red Diamond |volume=10 |issue=3 |page=41 |doi= |access-date=11 May 2021}}</ref><ref name="fas" /> The PLA ground force is divided into highly mechanized heavy, medium, and light combined arms units. Heavy combined arms brigades are armored with main battle tanks and tracked infantry fighting vehicles, medium combined arms brigades are armed with tracked or wheeled infantry fighting vehicles, and light combined arms brigades are mobilized with armored personnel carriers, MRAP trucks, or armored cars.<ref name="rd_div"/>

At combined corps level, the PLAGF employs combined arms brigades, heavy artillery systems, medium-range air defense systems, special forces, army aviation units, and various engineering, and electronic warfare support systems. Weapon systems at this level include PLZ-05 howitzer, PCL-181 howitzer, PHL-03/16 multiple rocket launcher, and HQ-16 air defense system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.163.com/dy/article/CJ74DFJ10515DPJK.html |title=军改-8：最强防空堡垒之集团军防空旅 |website=NetEase News|date=29 April 2017|language=Chinese |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511154231/https://www.163.com/dy/article/CJ74DFJ10515DPJK.html |archive-date=11 May 2021}}</ref> Air assets within the aviation brigade include Z-10 attack helicopter, Z-19 recon helicopter, and Z-20 utility helicopter, etc. Unmanned aerial systems are employed extensively in PLA formations of all types.<ref name="fas" /><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/CASI/documents/Research/PLAAF/2018-08-29%20PLAs_Unmanned_Aerial_Systems.pdf |title=The PLA’s Unmanned Aerial Systems |website=Air University |publisher=China Aerospace Studies Institute |date=29 August 2018 |first=Elsa |last=Kania }}</ref>

At combined arms brigade level, brigade HQ can deploy various combined arms battalions composited with tanks, assault guns, and infantry fight vehicles (IFV) such as the ZTZ-99A tank, the ZBD-04A IFV, the ZBL-08 IFV, the ZTL-11 assault gun, and the CSK-181 MRAP fast-attack vehicle. Fire support, reconnaissance, and air defense battalion are equipped with PLZ-07, PLL-09, PCL-161/171 self-propelled artilleries, PHL-11, PHZ-11 multiple rocket launchers, AFT-9/10 missile carriers, PGZ-09/95, PGL-12/625, HQ-17/A air defense systems, and such as large amount of unmanned aerial vehicles.<ref name="fas" /><ref name="rd2" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://new.qq.com/omn/20200927/20200927A00XYN00.html |title=中国版斯崔克旅，攻防兼备日行千里，初探陆军中型合成旅 |website=Tencent News |date=27 September 2020|language=Chinese |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512021220/https://new.qq.com/omn/20200927/20200927A00XYN00.html |archive-date=12 May 2021}}</ref>

At battalion level, battalion HQ can direct tank company, assault gun company, mechanized infantry company, and firepower company ({{zh|c=火力连|p=Huǒlìlián}}) to provide rapid close-combat maneuver, with support assets including the PCP-001 rapid-firing mortar, PLL-05/PLZ-10 self-propelled gun-mortars, AFT-8 missile carrier, MANPADS, and crew-served weapon systems such as QJG-85 heavy machine gun, PP-87 or newer PBP-172 mortar, QLZ-04 automatic grenade launcher, and HJ-8E wire-guided missile.<ref name="rd_inter"/><ref name="battalion_com">{{cite web|url=https://www.94477.com/article/1762476.html |title=军改-14 升级版合成营 (上)|website=94477 |language=Chinese |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511133908/https://www.94477.com/article/1762476.html |archive-date=11 May 2021 }}</ref>{{sfn|TRADOC|2021|p=15-23}}

Under each mechanized infantry company are standard infantry platoons and a firepower platoon ({{zh|c=火力排|p=Huǒlìpái}}), which is equipped with lightweight mortar, anti-material rifle, 35 mm automatic grenade launcher, various rocket launcher, and heavy machine gun.<ref name="company_com">{{cite web|url=https://www.94477.com/article/1842673.html |title=军改-15：升级版合成营（下）|website=94477 |language=Chinese |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512060248/https://www.94477.com/article/1842673.html |archive-date=12 May 2021}}</ref><ref name="SADJ29april14">{{cite web|last=Arthur|first=Gordon|date=29 April 2014|title=PLA Infantry Weapons: Small Arms of the World's Largest Army|url=http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=2649|website=|publisher=Small Arms Defense Journal}}</ref> At platoon level, a mechanized infantry squad consists of nine infantrymen, in which seven members are dismounted during combat. Infantry squads vary in composition based on the type of combined arms battalions. Medium and light infantry squads equip reusable rocket launchers to improve anti-armor and anti-fortification capability, whereas heavy infantry squads have no squad-level rockets, instead relying upon fire support from the firepower platoon, or their own ZBD-04A infantry fighting vehicle.<ref name="fas" /><ref name="rd2" />{{sfn|TRADOC|2021|p=15-23}}

===Weapons=== ====Individual and crew-served weapons==== The standard-issue rifle of PLA infantrymen is QBZ-95/191 chambered in proprietary 5.8×42mm, and the sidearm is QSZ-92 chambered in 5.8×21mm DAP92. Vehicle crews are equipped with QBZ-95B short-barreled carbine. The QCW-05 is a 5.8 mm submachine gun used by special forces and non-combat personnel. Sharpshooting is provided by the QBU-88/191 marksman rifle and QBU-141/202 sniper rifle. Indirect fire is provided by the QLG-10 grenade launcher. QBS-09 combat shotgun is issued for door breaching and close-quarters battle. The QJB-95 serves as the squad automatic weapon with its 75-round drum magazine.<ref>{{cite web|title=QBZ-95 family|url=http://pewpewpew.work/china/rifle/qbz95/qbz95family.htm|website=Gun's World|language=chinese}}</ref>{{sfn|TRADOC|2021|p=15-23}}

PF-89, PF-97, and DZJ-08 disposable rocket launchers could be distributed on an ad hoc basis to infantry squads for direct-fire applications. Specialized fire support weapons, often equipped with dedicated rocketeers, or members of the firepower platoons, include the HJ-12 anti-tank guided missile,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dominguez|first1=Gabriel|last2=Kotlarski|first2=Amael|date=26 July 2021|title=Image suggests HJ-12 ATGW is in service with PLA's Tibet Military Command|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/image-suggests-hj-12-atgw-is-in-service-with-plas-tibet-military-command|website=Janes}}</ref> PF-98 rocket launcher, the QLZ-87 and QLZ-04 35 mm automatic grenade launcher, the QBU-10 anti-material rifle, QLU-11 sniper grenade launcher, QJG-02 anti-air machine gun, QJZ-89 heavy machine gun, and the PP-89/93 60 mm mortar.<ref name="fas" /><ref name="SADJ29april14" />{{sfn|TRADOC|2021|p=15-23}}

====Infantry equipment and uniforms==== [[File:PLA-TACSHOOTER2021.png|thumb|A PLAGF soldier armed with a QBZ-191 assault rifle and QSZ-92A pistol with Type-19 uniform in the 2021 International Army Games]] In 2014, the cost to equip a single Chinese soldier is about 9,400 yuan (US$1,523). The standard kit includes Type 07 camouflage uniforms, helmet, tactical vest, gas mask, backpack, first-aid kit, infantry weapons, woven belt, rain cap, camouflaged uniform, kettle, and combat boots. However, regular infantrymen rarely use the issued body armor stored in the armory.<ref>{{cite web|date=2014|title=Cost of PLA infantry|url=http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/china-military-news/2014-12/05/content_6257407.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908105441/http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/china-military-news/2014-12/05/content_6257407.htm|archive-date=8 September 2019|website=eng.chinamil.com.cn|access-date=12 October 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[https://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/12/08/the-minuscule-cost-of-equipping-a-chinese-soldier/ The Minuscule Cost of Equipping a Chinese Soldier] - WSJ.com, 8 December 2014</ref> Prior to 2015, only deployed special operation detachments were equipped with body armor.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chinese peacekeeping force equipment questioned |url=http://eng.mod.gov.cn/DefenseNews/2015-01/04/content_4561933.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203211349/http://eng.mod.gov.cn/DefenseNews/2015-01/04/content_4561933.htm |archive-date=3 December 2016}}</ref>

The infantry equipment such as heavy body armor, personal radio, and knee pads has been seen in the standard kit in 2015 when PLA are deployed into high-risk areas, as observed for units participating in UN Peacekeeping and counter-piracy operations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.iiss.com/html/article/201412/8/a21c_2.html |title=How much does PLA soldier's individual equipment cost? |date=8 December 2014 |website=www.iiss.com |publisher=China Military Online |access-date=18 January 2015 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074851/http://www.iiss.com/html/article/201412/8/a21c_2.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The PLA has started to procure body armors for soldiers on large scale since March 2020, with 1.4 million body armor on order, which includes 930,000 units of plates for universal bulletproof vests and 467,000 units of plates for an enhanced bulletproof vest.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/CHINA_209163/TopStories_209189/9750217.html|title=Chinese Army to procure 1.4 million body armor units in 2 years|date=24 February 2020 }}</ref>

The Type 19 uniform with new xingkong digital camouflage patterns, tactical vest, backpack, protective gear, and eyewear started to replace Type 07 uniform series since 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://new.qq.com/omn/20200712/20200712A0LPRS00.html?pc |title=星空迷彩"有正式名称了，叫19式通用作战服|website=Tencent News|date=12 July 2020|language=Chinese}}</ref> Along with the uniform, a new communication system, personal computer, tactical interface, and assault rifle family QBZ-191, new variants of the QSZ-92 pistol family, along with whole new sets of weapon systems are also being adopted by the PLAGF since 2019. These new upgrades are components of the new ''Integrated Soldier Combat System'', a program aiming to overhaul the PLA's infantry equipment.<ref name="OEWATCH">{{cite magazine |last=Wood |first=Peter |date= November 2019 |title=China Introduces New Battle Rifle for the PLA |url=https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/fmso/m/oe-watch-past-issues/302274/download |magazine=Operational Environment Watch |location= US |publisher=TRADOC }}</ref>{{sfn|TRADOC|2021|p=15-23}}

===Transformation=== In 1987, the PLAGF, which relied upon obsolescent but serviceable equipment, were most anxious to improve defenses against armored vehicles and aircraft.<ref name="CStudyPLA"/> Most equipments was produced from Soviet designs of the 1950s, but weapons were being incrementally upgraded, some with Western technology. One example of upgraded, Soviet-design equipment was the Type 69 MBT, an improved version of the Type 59 MBT, itself based on the Soviet T-54. The Type 69 had improved armor, a gun stabilizer, a fire control system including a laser rangefinder, infrared searchlights, and a 105 mm smooth-bore gun.

In 1987, the existence of a new, Type 80 MBT was revealed in the Western press. The tank had a new chassis, a 105 mm gun, and a fire control system.

The PLA had a scarcity of antitank guided missiles, tactical surface-to-air missiles, and electronics to improve communications, fire control, and sensors. China began production of the Soviet Sagger antitank missile in 1979 but lacked a more powerful, longer range, semiautomatic antitank guided missile. The PLA required a mobile surface-to-air missile and an infantry shoulder-fired missile for use against helicopters and certain other aircraft.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The PLAGF continues to undergo significant modernization and re-structuring to deal with potential threats and enhance their capabilities.<ref name="rd_div" /> Front line troops such as special forces, marines and paratroopers are given priority in receiving modern weapon systems and equipment. Other areas of improvement are its battlefield C4ISR capabilities, with the introduction of satellite communications, wireless networks, and digital radios, army commanders are now able to maintain constant communications with their front-line units while on the move. The bulk of the ground forces have been regularly asked to operate under severe electronic countermeasures conditions in exercises. Also a network-centric warfare capability connecting different combat, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance elements to form an integrated network is being developed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sinodefence.com/army/default.asp|title=World's Largest Army, Largest Army in the World|publisher=World's Largest Army, Largest Army in the World|access-date=2008-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017082508/http://www.sinodefence.com/army/default.asp|archive-date=2008-10-17}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=April 2020}}

===Equipment summary=== The PLAGF inventory maintains an array of military vehicles. All figures below are provided by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Auxiliary vehicles such as engineering vehicles, logistics vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, as well as antiquated and reserved equipment are not included.{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=240}}

{| class="wikitable" |- !Type !Active |- |Main battle tanks || 4,700{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Light tanks || 1,250{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Assault guns || 1,200{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Infantry fighting vehicles || 8,060{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Armored personnel carriers || 3,600{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Amphibious armored vehicles || 750{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Anti-tank missile carriers || 1,125{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Tank destroyers || 480{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Towed anti-tank guns || 1,308{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Self-propelled artillery || 3,240<{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=241}} |- |Towed artillery || 900{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=242}} |- |Self-propelled gun-mortars || 1,250{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=242}} |- |Multiple rocket launchers || 1,390+{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=242}} |- |Surface-to-air missile systems || 754+{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=242}} |- |Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns || 270{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=242}} |- |Towed anti-aircraft guns || 7,126+{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=242}} |- |Attack helicopters || 320+{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=242}} |- |Multi-role helicopters || 208{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=242}} |- |Transport helicopters || 512{{Sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2025|p=242}}

File:Chinese ZTL-11.jpg|alt=vehicle with painted camouflage|ZLT-11 assault vehicle File:PLZ-05 Self-Propelled Artillery 20170919.jpg|alt=Vehicle with Self-Propelled Artillery|PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzer File:PHL-03 Multiple rocket launchers 20170902.jpg|alt=Multiple rocket launchers|PHL-03 multiple rocket launcher File:ZBD-04A IFV 20170716.jpg |ZBD-04A infantry fighting vehicle File:Десантирование участников конкурса "Эльбрусское кольцо" с вертолетов Ми-8 с последующим совершением горного марша (18).jpg|alt=Two soldier holding assault rifles|Infantrymen with QBZ-95 </gallery>

== Relationship with other organizations == {{See also|People's Armed Police|Paramilitary forces of China}}

[[File:People's Armed Police squad 2.JPG|right|250px|thumb|Troops of the People's Armed Police]]

The People's Liberation Army Ground Force maintains close relationships with several paramilitary organizations within China, primarily the People's Armed Police (PAP) and the Militia (also known as the China Militia). Both of these paramilitary organizations act as a reserve force for the PLAGF during a time of national emergency such as war or natural disaster. The PAP consists of approximately 1.5 million personnel. Their primary mission during peacetime is internal security and counter-terrorism.<ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/27/content_8625494.htm Top legislature passes armed police law]. ''China Daily''. August 27, 2009.</ref><ref name=wines>Wines, Michael (August 27, 2009). [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/world/asia/28china.html China Approves Law Governing Armed Police Force ]. ''The New York Times''.</ref>

The Militia is a paramilitary force engaged under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and forms part of the Chinese armed forces. Under the command of the military organs, it undertakes such jobs as war preparation services, security and defense operation tasks and assistance in maintaining social order and public security. The Militia numbers some 3 million service men and women.<ref>[http://english.gov.cn/2005-09/02/content_28491.htm The Components of the Armed Forces] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809155545/http://english.gov.cn/2005-09/02/content_28491.htm |date=2012-08-09 }}, PRC's official website</ref><ref name="China">{{cite news|title=China's Armed Forces, CSIS (Page 24)|date=2006-07-25|url=http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060626_asia_balance_powers.pdf|access-date=2013-04-07|archive-date=2009-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624111115/http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060626_asia_balance_powers.pdf}}</ref>

== References == === Notes === {{notelist|30em}}

=== Citations === {{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography === {{refbegin|indent=yes}} * {{Cite book |author=United States Army |url=https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN33195-ATP_7-100.3-000-WEB-1.pdf |title=Chinese Tactics |series=Army Techniques Publication |volume=7-100.3 |year=2021 |isbn=979-8457607118 |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=13 November 2022 |archive-date=20 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020154732/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN33195-ATP_7-100.3-000-WEB-1.pdf |url-status=live }} *{{cite book| title=The Military Balance 2025| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=olpEEQAAQBAJ| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=12 February 2025| publisher=Routledge| location=London| isbn=978-1-003-63076-0}} * {{cite book |editor1-last=Saunders |editor1-first=Phillip C. |editor2-last=Ding |editor2-first=Arthur S. |editor3-last=Scobell |editor3-first=Andrew |editor4-last=Yang |editor4-first=Andrew N.D. |editor5-last=Joel |editor5-first=Wuthnow |title=Chairman Xi Remakes the PLA: Assessing Chinese Military Reforms |url=https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Publications/Books/Chairman-Xi-Remakes-the-PLA/ |date=2019 |publisher=National Defense University Press |location=Washington, D.C. |isbn=978-1070233420 |ref={{harvid|Saunders et al.|2019}} }} *{{cite report |author=TRADOC |title=People's Liberation Army "Ground Force" Quick Reference Guide |url=https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/operational-environment-and-threat-analysis-directorate/m/documents/377746 |year=2021 |publisher=United States Army Training and Doctrine Command |location=Fort Leavenworth, Kansas }} *{{cite report |author=TRADOC |title=OEE Red Diamond Jul-Sep 2019 |volume=10 |issue=3 |url=https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/operational-environment-and-threat-analysis-directorate/m/documents/295598 |year=2019 |publisher=United States Army Training and Doctrine Command |location=Fort Leavenworth, Kansas }} *{{cite report |author=TRADOC |title=China: PLAA Combined-Arms Brigade's Logistics Operations |url=https://oe.tradoc.army.mil/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PLAA-Combined-Arms-Brigade-Logistics-Operations.pdf |year=2022 |publisher=United States Army Training and Doctrine Command |location=Fort Leavenworth, Kansas |archive-date=2022-10-29 |access-date=2022-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029233848/https://oe.tradoc.army.mil/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PLAA-Combined-Arms-Brigade-Logistics-Operations.pdf |url-status=dead }} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20050206003403/http://sinodefence.com/army/orbat/default.asp Sinodefence.com – Chinese military information website] * [http://www.globaldefenceforum.com Global Defence Forum] * {{Country study |url = http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cntoc.html }} {{refend}}

{{-}} {{Structure of People's Liberation Army Ground Force since 2017}} {{People's Liberation Army}}

Category:People's Liberation Army Ground Force 1 Category:Theater Command grade units of the Armed Forces of China Category:Military units and formations established in 1948