To cope with the demands of “integrated joint operations(一體化聯合作戰)”, a new operational mode still being explored by the PLA, includes in this round of military reform the transformation of traditional army battalions into a new type of battalion known as “combined arms battalion(合成營)” in an effort to enable the PLA to move toward a “smaller, modularized and multi-functional(小型化、模塊化、多能化)” force structure.

    If the PLA attacks Taiwan, the basic tactics for its ground forces to land on Taiwan will be to “destroy nodes, choose most vulnerable sites to land and rapidly gain control(節點摧毀、擇弱登陸、快速奪控)”. But the PLA’s traditional three-tier “division-regiment-battalion” system is in practice an order of battle that cannot function effectively in campaigns against Taiwan because of limitations caused by the island’s topography. Framed within such traditional structure, PLA troops, as the offensive side, will find it hard to break through the defense of Taiwan, the defensive side.

    PLA Army combined arms battalions feature capability to land in smaller areas, greater flexibility in forming interoperable capabilities with other specialty arms, and higher levels of informationization. They are suitable to be used in amphibious assaults on Taiwan. The PLA may use combined arms battalions as the backbone of a modular force against Taiwan that receives reinforcements from other arms or units, such as special operations, army aviation, amphibious elements subordinate to group armies, air force’s airborne branch, and elite troops of the marine corps. It poses a great threat to the security of Taiwan.