The PLA is commanded through the Central Military Commission, with PLA Navy combat units distributed among five TCs (Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern and Central).Īlthough the PLA’s primary role is to defend China from external threats, by law, it has a secondary role of supporting domestic security operations. In contrast to its US counterparts, the PLA does not have a unified SOF Command, with operational and administrative control devolved to the branches of military service and Theatre Commands (TCs).
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PLA Air Force SOF unit comprise the air component of the PLA’s SOF community. The PLA Air Force (or PLAAF is one of seven (7) organisations that make up the Chinese Armed Forces (China Military, 2017) and has approximately 398,000 personnel – although military reforms may see an increase (Jianing, 2017).
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This article is about the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Air Force Special Operations Forces (SOF). “Although it appears that China’s special forces are still in the early stages of their development, it would be a mistake to dismiss their capabilities.” (Henderson, 2006, p.33). Part 04: Recruitment, Selection and Training of PLA Navy Special Operations Forces.Part 03: Organisation of PLA Navy Special Operations Forces.Part 02: Hierarchy of PLA Navy Special Operations Forces.Part 01: Introduction to PLA Navy Special Operations Forces.