The Republic of China Army (ROCA), also known unofficially as the Taiwanese Army, is the largest branch of the Republic of China Armed Forces. An estimated 80% of the ROC Army is located on Taiwan, while the remainder are stationed on the Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, Dongsha and Taiping Islands.
Since the Chinese Civil War, no armistice or peace treaty has ever been signed, so as the final line of defense against a possible invasion by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the primary focus is on defense and counterattack against amphibious assault and urban warfare.
Organization
The ROC Army's current operational strength includes 3 armies, 5 corps. As of 2005, the Army's 35 brigades include 25 infantry brigades, 5 armoured brigades and 3 mechanized infantry brigades. All infantry brigades stood down and transferred to Reserve Command after 2005.
This update reflects the ROCA order of battle at the conclusion of the Jinjing Restructuring Plan in 2008.
A new type of unit called defense team () is being introduced. These are formed by elements of de-activated brigades under each area defense command. The strength of a defense team may vary from one or more reinforced battalions, making it roughly equal to a regiment. The team CO is usually a full colonel.
In the event of war most of the high command would retreat to underground bunkers, tunnel complexes, and command posts.
Republic of China Army Command Headquarters
The ROC Army CHQ () is headed by a 3-star general and is responsible for overall command of all ROC Army assets. Army GHQ is subordinate to the Chief of the General Staff (military), the Minister of National Defense (civilian) and the ROC President. Internal Units: Personnel, Combat Readiness and Training, Logistics, Planning, Communications, Electronics and Information, General Affairs, Comptroller, Inspector General, Political Warfare. () 601 Air Cavalry Brigade (original special force battalion assigned transferred back to 862nd Brigade) 602 Air Cavalry Brigade (original special force battalion assigned transferred back to 862nd Brigade) 603 Air Cavalry Brigade (this is a phantom unit, only exists on paper, no manpower, units, helicopters assigned) 101st Reconnaissance Battalion (better known as Sea Dragon Frogman, has a company station in Kinmen, Matsu, 3 in Penghu, and other frontline islands) Special Forces Command () In charge of 3 training centers Army Airborne Training Center () Army Special Forces Training Center () Army Winter and Mountain Training Center () Special Forces Command (originally 862nd Special Operation Brigade) Special Force 1st Battalion Special Force 2nd Battalion Special Force 3rd Battalion Special Force 4th Battalion Special Force 5th Battalion
6th Army Corps (): Northern Taiwan
Guandu Area Command
Lanyang Area Command
269 Mechanized Infantry Brigade
542 Armor Brigade
584 Armor Brigade
21 Artillery Command
53 Engineer Group
73 Signals Group
33 Chemical Warfare Group
8th Army Corps (): Southern Taiwan
333 Mechanized Infantry Brigade
564 Armor Brigade
43 Artillery Command
54 Engineer Group
75 Signals Group
39 Chemical Warfare Group
10th Army Corps (): Central Taiwan
234 Mechanized Infantry Brigade (will receive CM-32 "Clouded Leopard" wheeled IFV beginning of 2011) 586 Armor Brigade 58 Artillery Command 52 Engineer Group 36 Chemical Warfare Group 74 Signals Group
Hua-Tung Defense Command (): Eastern Taiwan
Hualien () Defense Team
Taitung () Area Command
Kinmen Defense Command () Jindong (, Kinmen East) Defense Team Jinshih (, Kinmen West) Defense Team Shihyu () Defense Team Artillery Group
Penghu Defense Command () 1 Armored Battalion, 1 Armored Infantry Battalion, 1 Armored Cav Battalion, 1 mixed Artillery Battalion.
Matsu Defense Command () Nangan () Defense Team Beigan () Defense Team Juguang () Defense Team
Dongyin Area Command ()
Logistics Command () Education, Training and Doctrine Command () Republic of China Military Academy, Training & Command Schools, Chemical Warfare Corps, Engineering Corps, Arsenal Development.
Armed Force Reserve Command () 11 active infantry brigades, 24 Reserve brigades (Activated only in time of war)
ROC Army's former Army Missile Command was transferred to ROC Air Force in 2006.
Ranks
Commissioned officer ranks
The rank insignia of commissioned officers.
Other ranks
The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.