National Defense: Manpower and Equipment

As introduced by the Yearbook of the Republic of China:

Ground Forces

The ROC Army defends the country's territory and ensures the integrity of sovereignty. In peacetime, its mission is centered on defending critical areas of strategic significance on Taiwan and offshore areas and conducting basic training to maintaining capabilities. In war, the Army conducts joint operations with the Navy and Air Force.

With 190,000 personnel, the ROC Army is organized into combat, combat support, and service support troops in the following units:

• Army Corps
• Logistics Command
• Defense Command
• Aviation and Special Warfare Command
• Division Commands
• Air Cavalry Brigades
• Armored Brigades
• Armored Infantry Brigades
• Motorized Rifle Brigades
• Infantry Brigades
• Special Warfare Brigades
• Missile Command

The primary weapon systems of the ROC Army include AH-1W attack helicopters, OH-58D scout helicopters, M-48H and M-60A-3 tanks, portable Stinger surface-to-air missiles, Chaparral self-propelled air-defense missiles, M-109A-5 self-propelled howitzers, Sky Bow air defense missiles, and Patriot air defense systems.

Navy

The ROC Navy maintains control and surveillance of the waters surrounding Taiwan and participates in joint operations with the Army and Air Force. The Navy Headquarters oversees operational and land-based forces. The ROC Navy totals 50,000 personnel. The main operational units in the ROC Navy include the following:

• Fleet Command
• Marine Corps Command
• Destroyer Fleet
• Logistics Command
• Education, Training and Doctrine Development Command
• Frigate Fleet
• Amphibious Fleet
• Service Fleet
• Submarine Squadron
• Fast-Attack Missile Boat Force
• Land-based Missile Force
• Naval Aviation Command
• Surveillance and Communications System Command
• Marine Corps Force

Air Force

Taiwan's geographical location makes air defense crucial for overall defense of the nation. At present, the ROC Air Force has about 50,000 officers and men divided into operational and logistical support systems under the command of the Air Force Headquarters.

The main operational units in the ROC Air Force include the following:

• Air Combat Command
• Logistics Command
• Air Defense and Garrison Command Base Command
• Base Command
• Tactical Fighter Wings
• Combined Wing
• Air Tactical Control Wing
• Communications and ATC Wing
• Weather Forecasting Wing

The primary weapon systems of the ROC Air Force include IDF, F-16, and Mirage 2000-5 fighters; Sidewinder, Maverick, Sparrow, Mica, and Magic missiles; and Sky Sword I and II missiles.

Military Police

The ROC Military Police, with 10,000 personnel, is responsible for conducting special guard and garrison missions, and assists the police in maintaining public security, supports military operations, and carries out tasks pursuant to judicial laws to ensure national security and social stability.

Electronic and Information Warfare

Forces The MND is actively fostering indigenous defense capability while integrating the efforts of the industrial, government, academic, and the R&D sectors to enhance information and electronic force capabilities to attain superiority.

Electronic Warfare Forces

To build an electromagnetic shelter over the Taiwan Strait and mastering electromagnetic superiority, Electronic Warfare Forces will effectively utilize electronic support and protection to attain electronic superiority and accomplish overall missions.

Information Warfare Forces

The primary missions of Information Warfare Forces are to safeguard and monitor C2 systems, obtain information superiority, and support overall combat missions. The Communication and Information Command is responsible for monitoring information security protection and developing counter-warfare capacity. The headquarters of each service is responsible for protecting information security, monitoring systems under its control, and developing information warfare tactics and techniques. The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology is responsible for maintaining network security and developing cyber attack defense capability.