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  • PLA military exercises

    Col,

    Another fine example of WZC at work.



    "Vanguard-2009" military drill starts in C. China
    2009-10-11 14:08 BJT


    China's "Vanguard-2009" military exercise kicked off in central Henan Province. This year's event will check a series of theories in joint actions, such as commanding and operating mechanisms, battle formations as well as safeguarding patents.

    Air and land forces from the People's Liberation Army will participate in this year's "Vanguard."

    Soldiers from 11 different services gathered at Queshan Combined Tactics Training Base on Saturday.

    A brigade from Jinan Military Area Command is in charge of the ground attacks. The brigade is said to be among the best in the PLA's land forces, consisting of armored forces, artillery, signal corps as well as army engineers.

    Zhang Jianfeng, Brigade Commander of Jinan Military Area Command, said, "Our next step is to disperse and hide our soldiers and equipment, and then take joint actions with other services."

    Shortly after the issue of the order, nearly a hundred tanks, armored vehicles and self-propelled cannons hid in forests.

    And the Guangzhou Military Area Command is mainly charged with air attacks. The air-borne troops have been trained for emergency missions. They can arrive in any part of China within several hours, to carry out their mission.

    Peng Jinbo, Deputy Division Commander, said, "In this year's exercise, our air-borne troops will for the first time carry out vertical landings at the enemy's bases, and launch surprise attacks. Our troops are now ready and can accept tasks at any time."

    Ten helicopters will also participate in the exercise. They are in charge of tracking enemy fire and giving first aid on the battle field.

    The annual drill is aiming to the test capacity of the brigade, in carrying out joint operations with different arms of services, in mountainous areas.

    All the equipment in this year's exercise are practicing with live ammunition.
    “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

  • #2
    CCTV report (in English) Click on the link to watch

    Vanguard-2009 military drill starts in C. China CCTV-International
    “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

    Comment


    • #3
      Here is a quick and dirty google translated news report.



      a group army commander of the Jinan Military Region, Xu will be accepted by the young to access China news agency, said the exercise was the first time the PLA's joint operational planning and command and control from the theater level joint operations to front-line fighting corps extension, through the formation of efficient, accurate joint operational command structure, relying on an integrated platform for joint operations, joint and combined arms operations to build docking "data chain", the real decision-making to achieve accurate and precise command, precise coordination, precision strikes and precision protection goals.
      "Forward -2,009" 11 branches of the military exercises will debut nearly ten thousand officers and men participating in the exercise
      October 11, 2009 Source: China News Net

      China news agency, Zhengzhou, October 11 - (SI Wei-Kuan Tao Yang Nishikawa Shelan) from theater organization based in Jinan, code-named "Striker - 2009" Battle of Army basic training, testing and verification activities at a joint military exercise with live ammunition will be Henan queshan a tactical training base at present, work is ready. Participating troops and equipment involved in land, air and two military branches, 11 branches, nearly ten thousand officers and men participating in the exercise.


      Battle of People's Liberation Army Corps of basic joint operations, often the size of Army by more than two branches jointly organized and implemented the operation. The exercise will be the first test demonstrated the basic battle of People's Liberation Army Corps to build a joint operational command structure and operating mechanism, combat style, protection mode and so on.
      October 7 participating units from the beginning level of combat readiness in accordance with operational requirements to complete conversion, in a complex electromagnetic environment, through the air, ground, etc. long distance to reach the exercise area. 11 arms, including the air force, airborne, army aviation, electronic countermeasures, special operations, artillery, and armor more than 50 kinds of equipment. During the exercise, commanders and the participating units of various arms and services will be under the joint command and control system, in close coordination and joint action.
      Reporters on the scene saw arriving at the assembly area immediately after the equipment according to operational requirements of multi-start the evacuation cover and quickly set up a field command post, and build anti-aircraft positions, more than 300 tanks, armored vehicles, artillery quickly disappeared into the mountain jungle, .
      Responsible for ground assaults of an armored brigade of the Jinan Military Region, is a set of armor, artillery, engineering, communications, electronic countermeasures and many other branches of the military in one combined operational forces, the complex electromagnetic environment with a strong attack, quick attack, armor protection and information to combat capabilities.
      During the exercise, by the Jinan Military Region, Guangzhou Military Region, consisting of air and airborne firepower air raids and sabotage operations behind enemy lines, clusters, mainly responsible for the ground offensive forces air fire support, the major targets of attack and sabotage operations behind enemy lines. Among them, participating in the exercise of the airborne forces are a highly decorated units during the war years has emerged Huang Jiguang and other fighting heroes played in the Shangganling kunwi on Paul. An air combat mission of the economic space, wide air attack planes, fighters, transports troops are Chinese air force's "fist" units, several times in the combat readiness training, the Sino-Russian joint exercise, and rescue and disaster relief in the display style. Army aviation regiment of Jinan Military Area Command sent two kinds of models 10 helicopters took part in exercises, mainly responsible for fire detection, fire attack and air-landing missions. After the founding of New China, the regiment was formed the first People's Liberation Army helicopter regiment, is the cradle of Army Aviation, successively perform a variety of operations, exercises, disaster relief and so difficult and perilous task of 380 several times.
      Commander of the joint command of the exercise, a group army commander of the Jinan Military Region, Xu will be accepted by the young to access China news agency, said the exercise was the first time the PLA's joint operational planning and command and control from the theater level joint operations to front-line fighting corps extension, through the formation of efficient, accurate joint operational command structure, relying on an integrated platform for joint operations, joint and combined arms operations to build docking "data chain", the real decision-making to achieve accurate and precise command, precise coordination, precision strikes and precision protection goals. (End)

      People's Liberation Army Lieutenant General disclosure "forward -2009" Eight exercises Innovation October 11, 2009 Source: China News China news agency, Zhengzhou, October 11 - (SI Wei-Kuan Liang Tao Shelan) "striker - 2009" Basic Battle Corps officially began joint military exercises will be held on the 12th. The exercise director, deputy commander of the Jinan Military Region, Lieutenant-General on the 11th move, Mr Fung pointed out that the exercise was the first time the true meaning of People's Liberation Army's basic fighting corps joint operations, joint training activities, focusing on exploring the basic fighting corps joint operations command structure and training formation models, mechanisms, methods, steps, methods of response and protection mode.

      Battle of People's Liberation Army Corps of basic joint operations, often the size of Army by more than two branches jointly organized and implemented the operation. The participating troops and equipment related to air-ground two military branches, 11 branches, including air, airborne, army aviation, electronic countermeasures, special operations, artillery, armor, air defense, tactical missiles, more than 50 kinds of equipment, nearly 10000 officers and men participating in the exercise.

      On the 11th, is the exercise area inspection work will be to accept Mr Fung Ju visited China news agency, said the exercise was a major innovation in the field of military reform in practice, through training, joint training methods to explore ways to enhance joint combat capability of troops. The exercise will be innovative breakthroughs in eight areas.

      First, the formation of a joint command structure. The formation of joint operations command structure in accordance with the general requirements, the formation of centralized, hierarchical simple, streamlined and efficient ground-air joint command structure.

      Second, the joint allegation Platform. The establishment of the army, branch, as well as a combination of mobile and fixed command and control system to reach the command structure, the interconnection between combat units and improve command and timeliness.

      Third, the joint intelligence and information security. Give full play to air-ground strategic, operational and tactical role in a variety of reconnaissance and intelligence forces to achieve fast, efficient, accurate and shared intelligence information to protect the joint.

      Fourth, the joint operations command decision-making. Reflected in the joint that under the unified leadership, the armed services commander joint participation and collective decision-making decision-making; in accordance with the information required under the condition of joint operations, highlight the node destruction, sabotage system, focusing on the content of the decision-making.

      5 is a collaboration jointly organized operations. Under the condition of surrounding information warfare information-dominated, fire main battle requirements, organize the training of synergy and the electromagnetic spectrum information operations together.

      6 is a ground-air integrated joint operations. Focus on achieving superior long air-ground two armed services in combat, and strengthen military services within and coordination among the services to form a joint force and action winning edge.

      7 is the air-ground coordination of the use of firepower. Taken to plan the main fire, fire calls, supplemented by the PAA way, well-organized aerial firepower, ground fire, anti-aircraft firepower overall co-ordination between the to achieve a joint firepower, orderly, accurate and efficient.

      8 is based on the effects of precision engagement. Focused on combat full, and a particular phase of combat operations center of gravity, precise decision-making, precise command, precise coordination, precision strikes and precision security, to achieve precise objective of the operation.

      Mr Fung will give frankly, because the exercise involves both ground and air military services, are now preparing for only one week, everything from the actual battle conditions, there is no specific training time to put to practice together, I believe that the exercise will be officially revealed some problems. "We do not evade the issue, which is pursued by the exercise. Jinan Military Region has consistently adhered to in training to find and solve problems in order to achieve new progress."










      The source



      “前锋-2009”军演将登场 11兵种近万官兵参演
      2009年10月11日  来源:中国新闻网 

        中新社郑州十月十一日电 (司伟宽 杨西河 陶社兰 )由总部在济南战区组织的、代号“前锋—二00九”的基本战役军团联合训练试验论证活动实兵实弹演习,将在 河南确山某合同战术训练基地举行,目前各项工作已准备就绪。参演兵力和装备涉及陆、空两个军种、十一个兵种 ,近万名官兵参演。


        解放军基本战役军团联合作战,通常是集团军规模,由两个以上军种共同组织实施的作战行动。这次演习将首 次检验论证解放军基本战役军团构建联合作战指挥机构、运行机制、作战样式、保障模式等内容。
        参演部队从十月七日开始按照作战要求完成战备等级转换后,在复杂电磁环境下,通过空中、地面等方式远程 机动到达演习地域。十一个兵种包括空军、空降兵、陆航、电子对抗、特种作战、炮兵、装甲等五十多种装备。演 习中,诸军兵种指挥员与参演部队将在联合指挥控制体系下密切协同、联合行动。
        记者在现场看到,部队到达集结地域后,立即按作战要求对多种装备展开疏散隐蔽,迅速开设野战指挥所,构 筑防空阵地,三百余辆坦克、装甲车、火炮很快消失在山岳丛林间。
        担负地面突击任务的济南军区某装甲旅,是一支集装甲、炮兵、工兵、通信、电子对抗等多兵种于一体的合成 作战力量,具备复杂电磁环境下强大的火力打击、快速突击、装甲防护和信息对抗等能力。
        演习中,由济南军区空军、广州军区空军和空降兵组成的空中火力突击和敌后破袭作战集群,主要担负为地面 进攻部队提供空中火力支援、突击破袭敌后重点目标。其中,参演的空降兵部队是一支战功卓著的部队,战争年代 曾涌现出黄继光等战斗英雄,在上甘岭上打出了军威国威。执行空中作战任务的济空、广空强击机、歼击机、运输 机部队都是中国空军的“拳头”部队,多次在战备训练、中俄联演和抢险救灾中展示风采。济南军区某陆航团出动 两种机型十架直升机参加演习,主要担负火力侦察、火力突击和机降等任务。该团是新中国成立后解放军组建的第 一个直升机团,是陆军航空兵的摇篮,先后执行各种作战、演习、抗震救灾等急难险重任务三百八十 多次。
        这次演习联合指挥部指挥员、济南军区某集团军军长徐经年少将接受中新社访问时表示,这次演习是解放军首 次把联合作战筹划与指挥控制从战区层面向战役军团联合作战一线延伸、通过组建高效、精确的联合作战指挥机构 ,依托一体化联合作战指挥平台,构建诸军兵种联合作战行动对接的 “数据链”,真正实现精确决策、精确指挥、精确协同、精确打击和精确保障等目标。(完)

      解放军中将披露“前锋—2009”军演八大创新 2009年10月11日 来源:中国新闻网   中新社郑州十月十一日电 (司伟宽 李亮 陶社兰)“前锋 —二00九”基本战役军团联合演习将于十二日正式开始。此次演习导演、济南军区副司令员冯兆举中将十一日指 出,这次演习是解放军首次真正意义上的基本战役军团联合作战、联合训练活动,重点探索基本战役军团联战联训 指挥机构组建模式、运行机制、方法步骤、战法对策和保障模式等。

        解放军基本战役军团联合作战,通常是集团军规模,由两个以上军种共同组织实施的作战行动。此次参演的兵 力和装备涉及陆空两个军种、十一个兵种,包括空军、空降兵、陆航、电子对抗、特种作战、炮兵、装甲、防空、 战术导弹等五十多种装备,近万名官兵参演。

        十一日,正在演习地域检查工作的冯兆举中将接受中新社访问时表示,这次演习是军事改革领域的重大创新实 践活动,通过训练探索联合训练方法路子、提升部队联合作战能力。演习将在八个方面有所创新突破 。

        一是联合指挥机构组建。按照联合作战指挥机构组建的一般要求,组建集中统一、层次简明、精干高效的陆空 联合指挥机构。

        二是联合指控平台构建。建立军种、兵种以及机动与固定相结合的指挥控制系统,达成各指挥机构、各作战单 元间的互联互通,提高指挥时效。

        三是联合情报信息保障。充分发挥陆空战略、战役和战术各种侦察情报力量作用,实现快捷、高效、精确、共 享的联合情报信息保障。

        四是联合作战指挥决策。体现在联指统一领导下,各军种指挥员联合参与、集体决策的决策方式;按照信息化 条件下联合作战要求,突出以节点摧毁、破击体系为重点的决策内容。

        五是联合组织作战协同。围绕信息化条件下作战信息主导、火力主战的要求,组织演练信息作战协同和电磁频 谱协同。

        六是陆空一体联合行动。着眼发挥陆空两个军种作战优长,强化军种内及军种间的协调配合,形成联合制胜的 力量与行动优势。

        七是陆空火力协调运用。采取以计划火力为主,临机召唤火力为辅的方式,周密组织空中火力、地面火力、防 空火力之间的整体协调,实现火力打击的联合、有序、精确和高效。

        八是基于效果精确作战。围绕作战全程和某一特定作战阶段的作战重心,以精确决策、精确指挥、精确协同、 精确打击和精确保障,达成精确作战目的。

        冯兆举中将坦言,由于此次演习涉及陆空两个军种,现地准备时间只有一周,一切从实战出发,没有专门的摆 练合练时间,相信正式演习中会暴露一些问题。“我们不回避问题,这也是演习所追求的。济南军区一贯坚持在训 练中查找问题,解决问题,从而取得新的进步。”
      “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

      Comment


      • #4
        The training ground.
        Attached Files
        “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

        Comment


        • #5
          My quick write up.

          Vanguard 2009
          The 58th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, 20th Group Army (GA), Jinan Military Region (MR) once again participated in this year's “Vanguard” military exercise. The Vanguard military exercise serves as the PLA’s test-lab for fine-turning their doctrine and tactical reforms.

          Last year’s Vanguard experimented with combat methods with the PLA's new battalion battle-group; it featured 2200 troops that centered on a battle-group augmented by mechanized infantry, artillery, engineering, communication, ECM and army-aviation elements from non-organic sources. The core of the battle-group was drawn by the 1st Tank Battalion of the 58th. The battle-group exercise was divided into four parts -- strategy-planning, mobilization, long-distance maneuvers, and ended with a live fire joint-operation against the “Blue Army” from the Beijing MR at Jinan MR’s Combined Arms Tactical Training Base (CATTB) in Queshan. The exercise was also open to 179 foreign military students representing 67 countries from the National Defense University and the Nanjing Army Command College.


          This year’s Vanguard is much larger in scale and focuses on joint "theater of military operations" and includes the entire 58th plus elements from 11 separate service arms. The 300 AFV, 11 helicopters, airborne troops, tactical missiles and air cover will be placed under a single joint operation command. It is noteworthy that the PLAAF's Airborne will conduct its first “vertical landing” at "enemy" bases (all your bases are belong to us)

          This year’s Vanguard is closed to foreign observers.



          Photos from the 2008 Vanguard.
          Attached Files
          “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

          Comment


          • #6
            Reads like that they still have a lot to learn. Operations HQ got too much say for a brigade level op.

            Also, passive defence, ie hiding, does not bode well for an offensive operation. Strange that the first thing they did after arriving in theatre is to hide instead of finding the enemy and engaging the enemy.

            Comment


            • #7
              Setting up an ambush for OpForce's reinforcement against the Airdrop? Experimenting with the elements of surprise?
              “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

              Comment


              • #8
                The cornerstone of the recce battle has always been to blind the enemy. If you can blind the enemy, you can maneuver without the enemy knowing where you're going to hit them. While hiding can blind the enemy, it also denies you maneuver.

                That suggests that you know where to hide before you embarked on the attack. Unfortunately, the other guy can read a map just as well as you do.

                Comment


                • #9
                  PLA Exercises March Toward Trans-Regional Joint Training
                  Publication: China Brief Volume: 9 Issue: 22
                  November 4, 2009 01:29 PM Age: 3 hrs
                  Category: China Brief, Featured, Home Page, Military/Security, China and the Asia-Pacific
                  By: Dennis J. Blasko

                  While elements of units from all services in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were preparing for the military parade on October 1st, a much larger slice of the PLA was conducting routine unit training. Following several months of individual skill and small unit training, late summer/early fall is the peak season for unit evaluation training, often culminating in relatively large force-on-force exercises and live fire drills. Even as the most modern equipment in the PLA was on display in the parade, units from all over the country were practicing how to deploy, operate and sustain the mix of old and new equipment that is actually found in operational formations.

                  Adding new equipment and upgrading or retiring older weapons is but one element of the PLA’s long-term modernization program. Training is another keystone of reform. Former Central Military Commission Chairman Jiang Zemin instructed, “We must train qualified personnel first, for we would rather let our qualified personnel wait for equipment than the other way round” [1]. Large amounts of new equipment have entered the PLA inventory over the past decade, but an even greater task is training personnel to properly plan for the employment and maintain and operate the new gear.

                  As the PLA transforms itself into a modernized military, the exercises it conducts reflect to some degree its capacity to implement the joint doctrine issued in 1999, which seeks to integrate all services and civilian support into seamless operations. Every year there are a number of “firsts” or “largest” events. This year was no exception and included some significant accomplishments. These advances notwithstanding, the PLA recognizes it is still experimenting to find operational solutions appropriate for its large force with limited funding. It also acknowledges it still has a long way to go before it meets the standards other countries have demonstrated in modern operations.

                  The following sections address the much-publicized, mainly ground-oriented exercises “Stride-2009,” “Airborne Movement-2009,” and “Vanguard-2009.” These were only a few of many exercises in 2009 from which the PLA seeks to identify shortcomings in order to improve capabilities in future training.

                  “Stride-2009” (Kuayue-2009)

                  The 2008 Defense White Paper foreshadowed the emphasis on ground force training seen in 2009, stating, “The [PLA] Army has been moving from regional defense to trans-regional mobility. It is gradually making its units small, modular and multi-functional in organization through appropriate downsizing and structural reform…”

                  “Trans-regional mobility” focuses on moving units within China from one of its seven Military Regions (MR) to another. Multi-mode movements (by ground, rail, water and/or air) have been reported in the PLA press for at least a decade including some cross-MR movements. These exercises do not represent armed invasions of foreign countries, but the lessons learned in trans-regional mobility exercises could be used outside of China if countries permit movement of PLA units through or over their territory.

                  For several years, “small, modular and multi-functional” unit organization has focused on forming combined arms battalion task forces within both divisions and brigades [2]. “Modularization” (mokuaihua), also known in the West as “task organization,” consists of temporarily assigning smaller combat and support units (such as artillery, air defense or engineers) to infantry or armor battalions based on the mission, terrain and enemy. Once organized, however, in many cases combined arms battalions face challenges because most battalion commanders have not been formally trained to command such formations. Moreover, battalion staffs are yet too small to handle all the tasks that come with added units. Some battalions have temporarily brought officers up from companies to work on the headquarters staff (PLA Daily Online, February 6), but these problems require formal long-term changes to both the organizational structure and professional military education system to properly train and staff for these new responsibilities.

                  “Stride-2009” was a two-month exercise in which approximately 50,000 troops from four divisions in four different MRs crisscrossed the country moving to four regional combined arms training bases. While there was some Air Force support in moving the troops and providing air cover, the exercise was primarily a ground operation (China Daily, August 12). During deployments of approximately five days in length, small reconnaissance, headquarters and communications units were flown on both PLA Air Force and chartered civilian aircraft while larger formations of personnel drove in trucks along highways and heavy equipment was transported via rail.

                  The four divisions involved in the exercise moved independently of each other as follows:

                  o In mid-August, the 61st (“Red Army”) Division of 21st Group Army from the Lanzhou MR moved to the Shenyang MR Taonan Combined Arms Training Base
                  o In mid-to late-August, the 162nd Motorized Infantry Division (“Ferocious Tigers”) of the 54th Group Army from Jinan MR traveled to the Guangzhou MR Luzhai Combined Arms Training Base
                  o In early September, the 115th Mechanized Infantry Division of the 39th Group Army from the Shenyang MR moved to the Lanzhou MR Qingtongxia Combined Arms Training Base
                  o In mid-to late-September, the 121st Motorized Infantry Division of the 41st Group Army moved to the Jinan MR Queshan Combined Arms Training Base [3]

                  While en route, troop convoys practiced defending against air and chemical attacks and bivouacked along the roads at night. Local military and militia units provided traffic control and logistics support (such as food, water and maintenance) along the way. Once they arrived at their objectives, troops linked up with their heavy equipment and conducted force-on-force drills and live-fire exercises.

                  While units took 90 percent of their organic “artillery, engineering machinery and other large weapons,” only 50 percent of armored vehicles, such as tanks and armored personnel carriers, were transported. Since tanks provide both mass and firepower, the participating divisions would have lacked a large portion of their combat power in an actual situation.

                  CCTV reports show that the 162nd Motorized Infantry Division and the 61st Division formed combined arms battalion task forces in exercises [4]. Such task organization was seen in several other exercises conducted by Army divisions and brigades (e.g., the 1st Armored Division and 235th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Beijing MR and a motorized infantry brigade in Jinan MR) broadcast on CCTV in August and September [5].

                  With 50,000 personnel involved, most Chinese sources called “Stride-2009” “the army’s largest-ever tactical event, in which they will be mobilized and transported vast distances across the nation” (China Daily, August 12). The key to that claim is its reference to the “trans-regional” nature, not the overall size. For example, the amphibious exercise “Liberation 1” on Dongshan Island in 2001 was reported to be “the largest ever joint exercise of the three services (army, navy and air force), involving nearly 100,000 troops” (China Daily, July 12, 2004). Yet, troops from either the Nanjing or Guangzhou MRs for “Liberation 1” did not have to cross MR borders to get to the training area, which is located along the boundary between the two MRs.

                  “Airborne Movement-2009” (Kongjiang Jidong-2009)

                  After “Stride-2009” was completed, the Air Force’s 15th Airborne Corps conducted a similar 20-day, large-scale, multi-modal transportation, trans-regional exercise called “Airborne Movement-2009” beginning in mid-October. “Airborne Movement-2009” paralleled the tasks Army divisions performed in “Stride-2009,” but with the addition of personnel parachute jumps and long-distance foot marches.

                  Starting on October 18th, elements of all three of the 15th Airborne Corps’ divisions, including “more than 13,000 people, 1,500 vehicles, and 7,000 pieces of equipment,” began moving through Hubei, Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu provinces (Xinhua News Agency, October 18; PLA Daily, October 26).

                  Heavy equipment, including ZBD-03 Airborne Fighting Vehicles, which were seen in the October 1st parade, was transported by rail while other personnel moved by road convoys to the exercise area in “central China.” Airborne infantry battalions performed parachute drops to enter the exercise area and then subsequently linked up with their equipment [6]. After assembling into regimental formations on October 20th the units began opposing force exercises which included evaluation of battalion and company-size elements. Six battalions were selected “by lot” to conduct force-on-force maneuvers “with troops air-landing at the rear of the enemy” as the scenario. Live fire exercises were also included.

                  After a week of training, the units moved to northern Jiangsu province to conduct another week of confrontation exercises. In addition to unit evaluations, training focused on duties of regimental staffs and officers at battalion and lower levels. Redeployment was scheduled to take place from November 4th to 6th.

                  The size and scope of this training probably merits the superlative of “the largest ever Chinese airborne force trans-regional campaign mobility comprehensive training exercise” (Xinhua News Agency, October 18).

                  “Vanguard-2009” (Qianfeng 2009)

                  Beginning on October 21st, the joint exercise “Vanguard 2009” got underway at the Queshan Combined Arms Training Base. The main participants were the armored brigade of the 20th Group Army, the 1st Army Aviation Regiment, an element of the 15th Airborne Corps, and aircraft from units in the Guangzhou and Jinan MR Air Forces [7].

                  According to exercise director and deputy commander of the Jinan MR Lieutenant General Feng Zhaoju, “This exercise is the PLA’s first joint operation and joint training activity for basic campaign army groups in the true sense” (China News Service, Oct 11). In other words, the key to “Vanguard-2009” is that a group army headquarters formed the exercise’s joint headquarters incorporating both ground and PLA Air Force officers. Although the doctrinal basis for independent group army campaigns is found in both the 2000 and 2006 versions of The Science of Campaigns (Zhanyi Xue), evidently all other joint training exercises had been controlled by Military Region headquarters. “Vanguard-2009” thus serves as a good illustration of how long it can take to move from doctrinal guidance to actual implementation of tactical and operational concepts.

                  In an interview with the official Xinhua News Agency, Major General Xu Jingnian, commander of the 20th Group Army, stated, “We are an experiment unit. We are still in a testing and evaluation stage, in terms of how to organize joint combat operations at the basic campaign group level … joint training exercise at the basic campaign group level is still in its infancy, leaving issues at many deeper levels to be further resolved” (Xinhua News Agency, October 13).

                  In the same interview, General Xu pointed out that communications was the biggest challenge for the exercise, saying, “How to achieve mutual connections and real-time intelligence gathering and sharing among various service branches is the biggest issue … we are able to resolve issues related to voice command; we are able to partially resolve digital communications issues also. However, we are still unable to achieve seamless [communications] connectivity.”

                  An important element of “Vanguard-2009” was helicopter and fixed wing air support to ground operations: “We will adopt the method of having planned fire power playing the leading role, supplemented by impromptu requests for fire power; meticulously organize the overall coordination of air, ground, and air defense fire power…” (China News Service, October 11). Listing “planned fire power” first reflects existing PLA doctrine that includes Air Force provision of “battlefield air interdiction” (preplanned attacks against enemy locations not in close proximity to friendly forces). “Impromptu requests for fire power” suggests something approaching “Close Air Support” (also known as CAS—air attacks against enemy locations in close proximity to friendly forces, which are controlled by units in contact with the enemy). PLA procedures for conducting CAS are still in the developmental and experimental stage. At the same time as “Vanguard-2009,” a division of the 14th Group Army and a PLA Air Force aviation division in the Chengdu MR were also experimenting with air support to ground operations (PLA Daily, October 28).

                  The PLA invited over 200 foreign military observers and military students studying in China to attend parts of “Vanguard-2009.”

                  The 20th Group Army is one of a few group armies organized into an all-brigade structure in which the group army headquarters has no divisions under its command. As demonstrated by “Vanguard-2009,” group armies are only beginning to explore how to conduct independent joint operations.

                  Conclusions

                  Perhaps the most obvious conclusion to be drawn from the pace and scope of PLA training in 2009 is that these exercises are much more costly and complex than the exercise seasons of the mid-1990s. Units now routinely spend weeks in the field often calling on civilian logistics support, which requires the military to reimburse the enterprises that have been mobilized to support operations. Advanced weapons consume more fuel and fire more expensive ammunition than their less technologically complex predecessors. Long distance maneuvers outside of traditional training areas results in “maneuver damage,” which requires the PLA to provide compensation to local entities. Moving even portions of units by air is much more expensive than ground transport. If the PLA continues to train at recent levels, or increases the pace, the central government must continue to provide adequate funds to support this operations tempo.

                  Over the past decade, all units, not only those considered as “rapid reaction units,” have trained to assemble and deploy quickly. If “Stride-2009” and “Airborne Movement-2009” are considered successful by higher headquarters, the relatively rapid movement of large units across Military Region borders could portend the need for fewer units. Therefore, MRs may not need as many standing forces if they can count on out-of-area reinforcements to arrive within reasonable timeframes. A more rapidly deployable ground force may not require as many active units as found today. This could set the stage for more personnel cuts and force reductions.

                  These exercises also reflect the transitional nature of the PLA today. Its leaders recognize they have not yet reached their operational objectives and must continue to motivate their troops to continue to improve their capabilities. Military leaders have a realistic understanding of the capabilities of their forces compared to other modern militaries and the diverse missions the PLA may be called on to perform. Many other senior leaders would agree with 20th Group Army Commander Xu Jingnian: “We are still in a testing and evaluation stage…”

                  In March the commander of the 38th Group Army (generally considered one of the PLA’s premier units), Major General Wang Xixin, gave an interview noting that despite a “series of achievements” made in his unit, “the modernization level of the PLA is still incommensurate to the demand of winning local war under information-based conditions, the military power is still incommensurate to the demand of performing the historical mission in the new century and the new period and raising the capability of troops in accomplishing diversified military mission is still a historical subject in front of the officers and men” (PLA Daily, March 2).

                  General Wang’s observation is similar to many others found in PLA literature (China Brief, July 3, 2008). It indicates the senior leadership’s self-knowledge of the PLA’s level of modernization and the need for many years of hard work in the classroom, on the training field, and in unit maintenance bays. The Chinese expect several more anniversary parades to pass before the PLA reaches its “strategic goal of building informationalized armed forces and being capable of winning informationalized wars by the mid-21st century” [8].

                  Notes

                  1. Jiang Zemin's Book on Technology, Army Building Viewed CPP20010221000077 Guangzhou Yangcheng Wanbao (Internet Version-WWW) in Chinese 13 Feb 01, translated by the Open Source Center (OSC).
                  2. According to The Military Balance 1996-1997, by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, in 1996, prior to the two force reductions amounting 700,000 from 1997 to 2005, the PLA had a total of some 90-100 infantry and tank divisions and another 15-20 infantry and tank brigades. The author's current estimate of the Army order-of-battle shows a reduction to approximately 35 infantry and armored divisions and an increase to some 41 infantry and armored brigades. Many of the divisions remaining in the force have been restructured so that they now have only three maneuver regiments instead of the four regiments found in the former Soviet style organization. Divisions in the PLA command regiments, not brigades (as in the U.S. Army model). Despite the growth of the number of brigades in the PLA, the division appears to still be a viable organizational level for some time into the future.
                  3. PLA Daily has a series of reports at tp.chinamil.com.cn/manoeuvre/kuayue2009.htm. Unit identifications can be derived from information at news.xinhuanet.com/mil/2009-08/10/content_11858323.htm. The time sequence of movement is found at Xinhua Chart: Locations, Times for PLA's Stride 2009 Series of Exercises CPP20090911540004 Beijing Xinhua Wang in Chinese 12 Aug 09, translated by OSC.
                  4. Video: Jinan MR Motorized Division Holds Drill With Modular Combat, Tactical Units CPM20091015013024 Beijing CCTV-7 in Mandarin 1130 GMT 28 Aug 09 and Video: Lanzhou MR Division in 'Stride 2009' Presents New-Type Combined-Arms Battalion CPM20091015017010 Beijing CCTV-7 in Mandarin 1130 GMT 18 Aug 09, translated by OSC.
                  5. Video: Beijing MR Armored Division Adopts New Combat Methods in Training CPM20091015017036 Beijing CCTV-7 in Mandarin 1130 GMT 26 Aug 09; Video: Beijing MR Mechanized Infantry Brigade Holds Confrontation Exercise CPM20091015013006 Beijing CCTV-7 in Mandarin 1130 GMT 05 Aug 09; and Clip: Jinan MR Motorized Infantry Brigade Conducts Exercise in Mountain Area CPM20091015017003 Beijing CCTV-7 in Mandarin 1130 GMT 18 Sep 09, translated by OSC.
                  6. The exact sizes of the personnel drops were not published. However, the PLA Air Force’s capacity to airdrop both personnel and equipment is limited, thus requiring the large-scale ground and rail movement of equipment.
                  7. People’s Daily has a webpage that compiles reports on the exercise at military.people.com.cn/GB/8221/69693/171424/index.html. Unit identifications are made based on information in PRC: PLA To Conduct 'Vangard-2009' Exercise in Jinan Theater CPP20091011172003 Beijing Zhongguo Xinwen She in Chinese 0914 GMT 11 Oct 09. Some sources say this exercise involves 10,000 personnel, while others claim 5,000. With an armored brigade as its core, the lower number is more likely.
                  8. “China's National Defense in 2006,” at China Publishes a White Paper on National Defense -- china.org.cn.

                  single - The Jamestown Foundation[tt_news]=35690&tx_ttnews[backPid]=7&cHash=5384dffc22
                  Last edited by xinhui; 05 Nov 09,, 00:44.
                  “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

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                  • #10
                    This is where the defense mobilization committee comes in.


                    Units now routinely spend weeks in the field often calling on civilian logistics support, which requires the military to reimburse the enterprises that have been mobilized to support operations. Advanced weapons consume more fuel and fire more expensive ammunition than their less technologically complex predecessors. Long distance maneuvers outside of traditional training areas results in “maneuver damage,” which requires the PLA to provide compensation to local entities.
                    Last edited by xinhui; 05 Nov 09,, 00:55.
                    “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Not too impressed witht the Tactics of Armour, from the photos, looks like the Tanks are on a forward facing slope, not very well concealed and making excellent targets forthe Blue Forces. Also I note that for them to get into such positions they would had to gone over the crest, therefore 'Sky Lining' themselves, again another excellent and easy target. Look at the photo with CNS PHOTO on it, very 'Sky Lined'.

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                      • #12
                        Yup.

                        PLA is still an infantry/arty army and it will remain so for sometime.

                        While units took 90 percent of their organic “artillery, engineering machinery and other large weapons,” only 50 percent of armored vehicles, such as tanks and armored personnel carriers, were transported. Since tanks provide both mass and firepower, the participating divisions would have lacked a large portion of their combat power in an actual situation.
                        that goes to show how much their value their armor.
                        “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

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                        • #13
                          Airborne Movement-2009
                          Attached Files
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                          • #14
                            .................
                            Attached Files
                            “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

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                            • #15
                              third set
                              Attached Files
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