China Defense Blog: “I know Kung Fu”

PLA heavy infantry update

Finally, the PLA frontier defense heavy infantry is now receiving
much-needed equipment standardization and enhanced armor, including leg
and elbow guards.   Yes, after more than 2000 years, the poor PLA
infantry is now headed in the correct way in terms of adequate armor
protection, closing the gap with  their Han Dynasty counterparts. 

I am not crying, just have sands in my eyes……

After reviewing the modern Chinese heavy shield infantry and Phalanx / Mandarin
Duck formations, next up is the mysterious PLA Light Cavalry.   The PLA
Light Cavalry, like other Light Cavalries such as the legendary
Mongolian equivalent, is trained as swift scouts and battlefield
raiders. As a result, they traded heavy armor for speed and mobility,
allowing them to perform critical missions such as performing
reconnaissance, quick raids against the enemy’s rear, and protecting the
flanks of the main army.   At least in principle.   In actuality, as
evidenced by the photographs below, they are not properly armed for
modern combat of 2024.   While it is understandable that they are not
protected with plate armor, they are also not wearing mail shirts for
little protection against arrows or melee warfare.  

As
several famous PLA professional analysts have properly pointed out, the
PLA has not performed a massive cavalry charge since the mid Qing
dynasty, 200 years ago, thus it is understandable that they will not
know how to handle modern combat.  They are untested.  Additionally,
they appear to be equipped just with a saber and a composited bow, with
neither shield or lance to be found. Furthermore, crucial two-way
communication technology such as Ram Horn is not available at the
squadron level; as some well-known PLA professional analysts have
pointed out, corruption at the top levels is to blame for not equipping Ram Horn to each troop.

More Photos For Your Modern Infantry ToE Nerds Out There

Good to see that the Mandarin Duck formation is alive and well.  With that being said, a plate armor upgrade would be a great next step upgrade.

 What’s wrong this this PLA Phalanx?   For starter, their spears are
too short, lacking standards.  What?  no shield?  Yikes, only four rank
deep.   

I am telling you, they would not stand a chance against Little Alex’s Macedonian phalanx of 323 BC.  No not a chance.