The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army since 1949: Ground Forces (Elite, 194)

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the largest army in the world. China is predicted to be on the brink of overtaking the USA as the world's largest economy, and China's military capabilities and global ambitions are the single greatest long-term pre-occupation of Western governments. The PLA has progressed steadily - if slowly - since its creation in 1949, from a mass army of unsophisticated infantry limited to ‘human wave' tactics into a highly sophisticated force with wide capabilities. The most recent reforms (1989 to the present day) have been made possible by massive economic liberalization, and have seen not only the modernization of all the armed forces but the beginnings of global outreach, even including Chinese participation in UN peace-keeping missions to Africa, the Middle East, and Haiti. Featuring rare photographs and specially commissioned color artwork, this study explores the developing structure, organization, equipment, appearance, and character of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from its creation until today.Benjamin Lai was born in Hong Kong, educated in the UK, and went on to serve as an officer in the British Territorial Army in the 1980s and 1990s. Fluent in both Chinese and English, he currently works as a development and business consultant in China.Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs, the Greeks, several 19th-century American subjects, and a number of books in the Fortress series. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world. Cover; Title; Contents; Introduction; Chronology & Key Events; The Pla Today; Current Tactical Organization; Some Key Combat Arms; Personnel; Uniforms & Combat Equipment; Select Bibliography; Related Titles; Imprint.;The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the largest army in the world. China is predicted to be on the brink of overtaking the USA as the world's largest economy, and China's military capabilities and global ambitions are the single greatest long-term pre-occupation of Western governments. The PLA has progressed steadily -- if slowly -- since its creation in 1949, from a mass army of unsophisticated infantry limited to 'human wave' tactics into a highly sophisticated force with wide capabilities. The most recent reforms (1989 to the present day) have been made possible by massive economic liberalization, and have seen not only the modernization of all the armed forces but the beginnings of global outreach, even including Chinese participation in UN peace-keeping missions to Africa, the Middle East, and Haiti. Featuring rare photographs and specially commissioned color artwork, this study explores the developing structure, organization, equipment, appearance, and character of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from its creation until today.

The history of military forces, artifacts, personalities and techniques of warfare

The Chinese People's Liberation Army since 1949: Ground Forces

This book is a detailed briefing on the history, organization, and uniforms of one of the largest and most important armies in the world, the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Known for its 1940s guerrilla origins and the costly mass attacks of the Korean War, the PLA was both awe-inspiring and mystifying to the West. However, the reforms that have taken place in the past 30 years have entirely transformed the organization, doctrine, and capabilities of the PLA. Dressed in a computer-generated camouflage outfit and, equipped with the latest tactical vest rig, body armor, and assault weapons, the PLA soldier has now taken his place alongside the most modern troops in the world. Illustrated with rare photos and detailed artwork, this book follows the PLA ground forces from Korea, through clashes with the USSR and three Vietnamese wars, to today's participation in multinational missions -and from the "Máo cap" and canvas shoes to the special-forces beret and sleeve patches.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the largest army in the world. China is said to be about to overtake the USA as the world's largest economy, and China's military capabilities and global ambitions are the greatest long-term pre-occupation of Western governments. This book explores the development of the PLA. Om den kinesiske hærs udvikling fra en guerillabevægelse til en moderne organisation. Bogen er rigt illustreret med fotografier og tegninger, og der gennemgås den materielle udvikling hæren har været igennem, blandt andet i forbindelse med enkeltmandsudrustningen