The Republic of China Marine Corps (中華民國海軍陸戰隊) is the amphibious arm of the Republic of China Navy responsible for amphibious combat, counter-landing and reinforcement of remote islands, defense of ROCN facilities, and also functions as a rapid reaction force and a strategic reserve.

Organization

• Marine Corps Command (陸戰隊司令部)

Marine Corps Command is subordinate to Navy GHQ, the General Staff, the Minister of Defense, and the ROC President.

• Wuciou Garrison (烏坵守備區)
• 3x brigades
• 5x groups

History

The ROC Marine Corps were formed from the former Navy Sentry Corps in December 1914.

During the Cold War, ROCMC units stationed on Kinmen and Matsu are rumored to have engaged in covert operations against PLA forces on the Mainland.

In 2004, the ROCMC redeployed a brigade near the Taipei area to defend against a possible PRC surprise attack.

Equipment

• Armor

M48H (CM11/12)

M41D (Type 64)

• Armored Fighting Vehicles

AAVP7A1

LVTP5A1

LVT4

CM-25

SIBMAS

• Artillery

M101

M110

T69

• Anti-Tank

Milan III

• Air Defense

Stinger

M42 Duster

Chaparral

• Aviation

Defender 500

• Small Arms

Related topics

• Military of the Republic of China
• Republic of China
• Taiwan
• Chinese Civil War
• People's Liberation Army
• Political status of Taiwan

External references & links

• ROC Marine Corps website(Chinese)
• ROC MND National Defense Report (2004)
• Global Security article on ROC Marines