All data in this post plus Orbat of all Chinese Ground Forces in E-book format: https://amzn.to/3S19g5a. Early access & some extras on Patreon.

PLA has changed its command structure from Group Army, Division, Regiment to one comprising Group Army, Brigades and Battalions. Each of five Theatre Commands has 2-3 Group Armies (total of 13) under its control which in turn have 5-6 CABs in combat role and 4-7 brigades and independent battalions in supporting roles. Some TCs like Western TC have a few independent divisions and Border Defence Regiments (BDR) under their command. Though it started to change in 2020. More on this later.

Each GA now typically comprises of:

• 5-6 Combined Arms Brigades
• Six Support Brigades and/or independent battalions
• 1 Artillery brigade
• 1 Air Defence brigade
• 1 Army aviation or Air Assault brigade
• Special Operations brigade
• Engineer brigade
• Service Support brigade

CABs are classified as light (mountain or light mechanised) or heavy (mechanised infantry or armoured). There are 4 types of CABs, namely HEAVY, MEDIUM, LIGHT & AMPHIBIOUS and most GAs have 2 or more types of CABs plus support units. Additionally, there are following specialised brigades:

• Army Aviation Brigades (AAB): 15. Each GA and Xinjiang and Tibet MDs are assigned an AAB. Personnel and aircraft from 7 brigades, 5 regiments and some new equipment were used for their creation.
• Special Operations Forces Brigades (SOFB) : 16. Created from existing 9 SOFBs, 2 regiments and new personnel.
• Support Brigades:  87. Includes all types of Engineering, Service Support, Air Defence and similar units.
• Marine Brigades: 6. One motorised infantry brigade in Shandong, coastal defence units in Fujian, Shandong were consolidated into 4 new marine brigades. South Sea Fleet under Southern TC already had two MBs. Now Northern and Eastern TCs have two new MBs each.

Composition of Combined Arms Brigades

Beijing’s Science of Military Strategy declared that Chinese armed forces needed to take part in multiple military operations other than full fledged war. Such operations need rapid response, flexible manoeuvres and abilities to take rapid control of dynamic situations not just in China but abroad too. This need for force projection all over the world requires that the military units be capable of rapid transport by land, sea or air and should be flexible. Testing of this concept using fully equipped high mobility battalions started in 2017.   Artillery, Air Defence and Special Operation Brigades in a CAB usually have 3000, 2500 and 500 troops respectively. There are multiple types of CAB’s namely Heavy, Medium, Light and Amphibious each with a different role and equipment.

Heavy Combined Arms Brigade

Each such brigade has 5000-6000 soldiers and 112 tanks in 8/9 battalions. Each such battalion has 2 tank companies. Each tank company has 14 tanks in 3 platoons of 4 tanks each plus 2 tanks for command and control.

• 4 Combined Arms Battalions each with 2 tank companies, 2 mechanised infantry companies, 1 artillery company each.
• 1 Artillery Battalion  
• 1 Air Defence Battalion
• 1 Combat Support Battalion 
• 1 Logistic Support Battalion
• 1 Reconnaissance Battalion
• 1 Guard & Service Company
• 1 HQ Unit (company)

Medium Infantry Combined Arms Brigade

• 4 Mechanised Infantry Battalions
• 2 Tank Battalions (35-40 Type-99 tanks each)
• 11 tanks each in 3 tank companies + 2 Command tanks in battalion HQ
• 1 Artillery Battalion (18 122mm PLZ-07B SPH)
• 1 Engineer Battalion
• 1 Signals Battalion  
• 1 Air Defence Battalion
• 1 Logistic Support Battalion
• 1 HQ Unit (company)

Light Combined Arms Brigade 

• 4 Infantry Battalions. 3 Motorised Light Infantry Battalions (Dongfeng EQ-2102 & MV-3 trucks) and 1 High Mobility Infantry Battalion (Warrior KSK 4×4 armoured utility vehicle, Humvee copy)
• 1 Artillery Battalion  
• 1 Air Defence Battalion
• 1 Combat Support Battalion 
• 1 Logistic Support Battalion
• 1 Reconnaissance Battalion
• 1 Guard & Service Company
• 1 HQ Unit (company)

Artillery Brigades

A huge portion of Chinese artillery firepower consisted of 122 mm howitzers and rockets. Most of such systems are being gradually replaced with 155 mm howitzers and 300 mm rockets. That being said, older calibres are still in use and will likely stay in service for some time. Following is the structure of older independent artillery brigades:

• 2 Battalions (36 units) truck mounted PCL-181 155/52mm howitzers or older 122 mm or 152 mm.  3 batteries with 4-6 guns each.
• 2 Battalions  (36 units) PHL-03 300mm MLRS

Artillery Brigades in a GA with CA structure have following units:

• 1  heavy rocket battalion. 300 mm, 3 batteries with 4 launchers each. 12 launchers in each battalion
• 1 or 2 light rocket battalion. 122 mm, 3 batteries with 9 launchers in each. Total 27 launchers in each battalion.
• 2 towed or self-propelled 122 mm or 155 mm howitzer battalions. 3 batteries with 4-6 guns. 24-36 guns in each battalion.
• 1 HQ unit.
• 1 support company.
• 1 UAV company.
• 1 target acquisition unit.

Air Defence Brigade

Air Defence Brigades in PLA are meant to provide point defence to mid-tier levels.  Older AD brigades usually had following units:

• 1 Battalion (24 units) 35mm towed AA
• 12 short to mid ranged SAM launchers like  FM-90 or HQ-7 SAMs

Modern AD Brigades in a GA with CA structure have following units:

• 1 medium range SAM battalion. 3 batteries with 1 radar section and 3 launcher sections)
• 2 SHORAD battalions. 3 batteries of 6-8 AA guns and 4-6 short-ranged SAM each.
• 1 HQ unit.
• 1 support company
• 1 EW battalion consisting of 3 battalions.

Special Operations Brigade

SOF Brigades attached to GAs specialise in reconnaissance and operations behind enemy lines, usually in the type of theatres that they are deployed in. There are multiple types of SOF brigades specialising in operations in different terrains such as mountainous, forested, urban and amphibious,

Army Aviation Brigade

Most PLA Army Aviation Brigades (AAB) have a mix of transport, attack and scout helicopters and the types of helicopters varies with each unit. A generic AAB may have following units:

• 1 attack battalion. 16 helicopters in 2 battalions, mostly WZ-10
• 4 transport battalions. 8-12 medium helicopters in each battalion.
• 1 reconnaissance battalion. 8 recon or light attack helicopters.
• 1 support battalion.

Service Support Brigade

They provide services like transport, medical, repair, supplies, logistics and communications to the rest of the units. They also cover the ECM and other EW missions.

Engineer & Chemical Defence Brigade

Troops of these brigades are like most sapper units providing services such as mine operations, protection against chemical attacks, bridging, battlefield constructions among a few others.

Combined Arms Battalion

IMAGE 4: PLA’s Combined Arms Battalion Structure for Light Infantry

After discarding the Soviet system of command in which regimental HQs did most of the planning and staff work for battalions. PLA has now eliminated regiments from the chain of command.  Battalions will now be capable of planning and executing operations independently. Battalion Commander directly commands a deputy battalion commander, master sergeant, chief of staff and four non-commissioned officers. There is a Political Commissar (PC) who can lead the combat operations if needed, but his main functions include political indoctrination, moral and adherence to party directives. A Light CA Battalion usually has around 500 personnel.

Composition of CA Mechanised Infantry Battalion

Each such CABn has 3 Rifle Companies with 120 troops each form the manoeuvre component.Company is led by a Company Commander, Political Commissar and respective deputies. Battalion HQ may have a battalion commander’s vehicle and artillery command vehicle.

Each company has 3 rifle platoons, 1 firepower platoon and 30 ICVs for troop transport and fire support. Light or motorised units have diesel trucks for troop transport. Each platoon has 30 troops in 3 squads including a platoon leader and a radio operator.

Each 9 man squad consists of a NCO squad leader and 8 troops/conscripts.Other staff includes Company chief NCO, supply clerk, two radio operators, armourer. Operations and Reconnaissance Officer, Artillery and engineering officer, Communications officer and Support Officer.

Firepower platoon usually has 60mm mortars in 2 squads of 3 troops each. A firepower company with Battalion HQ may have 82mm SP mortars, sniper squad (sometimes equipped with 12.7mm anti-materiel rifles) and ATGMs. Service Support Company takes care of reconnaissance, UAV coverage, transportation, engineering, supplies and medical support.

Heavy CABn

• 2 tank companies 20-28 tanks total.
• 2 Mech Infantry companies. 10 IFVs in each.
• 1 firepower company. Mortars (120 and 82 mm), MANPADS and crew weapons.
• 1 support company
• 1 HQ unit.

Medium CABn

• 3 Mech Infantry Companies. 10 IFVs in each
• 1 assault gun company. 14 105 mm wheeled guns.
• 1 firepower company. Mortars (120 and 82 mm), MANPADS and crew weapons.
• 1 support company
• 1 HQ unit.

Light CABn

• 3 Motorised Infantry Companies. 10 APCs or wheeled vehicles in each.
• 1 firepower company. 6-9 82 mm Mortars, MANPADS, SNiper and crew weapons.
• 1 support company
• 1 HQ unit.

High Mobility CABn

• 3 Motorised Infantry Companies, 120 troops each. CSK141 vehicles.
• 1 firepower company. Two 3-vehicle platoons with 82 mm Mortars  Sniper squad, ATGMs and MANPADs
• 1 support company
• 1 HQ unit.

Each infantry company has 3 rifle platoons (30 troops each) and one firepower platoon.  Latter has a mortar section of two 60 mm mortar squads of 3 troops each and two 35 mm grenade launcher squads of 3 troops each. 

Air Defence Battalion

AD Battalions are meant to provide mobile defensive cover to CABs  against helicopters, drones and other low flying targets.

• 1 SHORAD battery with 8 launchers and 1-2 radars.
• 3 AA gun batteries. 6 guns in each. Mostly self-propelled.
• 1 HQ unit.
• 1 Support company  

Artillery Battalion

Most Artillery Battalions usually have a few anti-tank units in addition to howitzers and MBRLs

• 2-3 155 mm SPH batteries. 3 platoons with 3 guns each. Some units have 122 mm guns.
• 1 anti-tank company, armed with either anti-tank guns or ATGMs.
• 1 HQ unit.
• 1 support company.
• 1 122 mm rocket battery. 3 platoons with 3 launchers each^. (Not sure if all battalions have it.)

Reconnaissance Battalion

Most such battalions use multiple types of resources to conduct HUMINT, ELINT and behind enemy lines operations. 

• 1 UAV Company. Multiple types.
• 2 recon companies/squads. Mostly equipped with light armoured vehicles.^
• 1 battlefield surveillance company
• 1 HQ unit.

Operational Support Battalion^

• 1 military police company
• 1 chemical defence company
• 1 EW company
• 1 communications  unit
• 1 HQ unit
• 1 engineer company^

Composition of CA Rifle Companies

Rifle companies have 120 personnel consisting of 

• Company Commander & PI with their deputies lead the company
• NCO, armourer, two radio operators, supply clerk and secretary.
• 3 rifle platoons.
• 1 firepower platoon.

Composition of CA Firepower Company

A Firepower company usually has two platoons with three PCP001 82mm mortar systems each. The range of these mortars is roughly 8 km which can provide effective and flexible close fire support to advancing elements.

• 2 platoons of 3 PCP001 82mm mortar systems each.
• Battalion sniper squad with Type-10 12.7 anti-materiel rifle.
• Vehicle mounted HJ-73c ATGMs

Composition of High Mobility Infantry Company

These companies usually with Light CABs have 15 vehicles which include 

• 14 Dongfeng Mengshi AFVs with 10 troops each.
• 12.7 mm gun and HJ-73D ATGM on each AFV.
• Additional MANPADs^

 Service Support Company

SSCs are supposed to provide logistics support to the formations which includes supplies, food, repairs, medical, transport and other functions essential for battlefield and administrative functions. In addition to above, it has following other elements:

• Reconnaissance platoon consisting of a squad of UAVs and conventional recon troops.
• Engineering and Chemical Defence squad.
• Communications squad.

Rifle Platoons

• Each platoon has 3 squads of 9 soldiers each.
• Platoon leader, radio operator

Rifle Platoons

• Each platoon has 3 squads of 9 soldiers each.
• Platoon leader, radio operator

Infantry Squads

Each platoon has 3 squads. Each squad forms two fire teams of varying fire power depending upon composition and loadout.

1. Heavy Infantry CAB Squads

VEHICLES: ZBD-4A or Type-86 ICV

SQUAD: 9 (2 vehicle crew, rest dismounts)

• 1 Sergeant or Staff Sergeant:QBZ-95 rifle. Can be vehicle commander and may not always dismount.
• 1 2nd IC: QBZ-95 rifle. May have a QLG-10 Grenade launcher or QBS-9 shotgun.
• 2 Light Machine Gunners: QBB-95. Part of two fireteams
• 1 Designated Marksman: QBU-88 (Equivalent to Dragunov).
• 2 Riflemen: QBZ-95
• Driver & Gunner: QSZ-92 pistol or QBZ-95 carbine

2. Medium Infantry CAB Squads

VEHICLES: ZBL-8 (8 wheeled) ICVs & supporting vehicles

SQUAD: 9 (2 vehicle crew, rest dismounts)

• 1 Sergeant or Staff Sergeant:QBZ-95 rifle. Can be vehicle commander and may not always dismount.
• 1 2nd IC: QBZ-95 rifle. May have QLG-10 Grenade launcher or QBS-9 shotgun.
• 1 Light Machine Gunner: QBB-95. 
• 1 Designated Marksman: QBU-88 (Equivalent to Dragunov).
• 1 Rocket Gunner: PF-98A rocket. 1 Riflemen in support role, may carry 2 rocket rounds.
• 2 Riflemen: QBZ-95
• Driver & Gunner: QSZ-92 pistol or QBZ-95 carbine

3. Heavy CAB with amphibious capabilities.

These units belong to the army, not navy.

VEHICLES: ZBD-5 Amphibious ICV

SQUAD: 9 (2 vehicle crew , rest dismounts)

• 1 Sergeant or Staff Sergeant:QBZ-95 rifle. Can be vehicle commander and may not always dismount.
• 1 2nd IC: QBZ-95 rifle. May have QLG-10 Grenade launcher or QBS-9 shotgun.
• 2 Light Machine Gunners: QBB-95. Part of two fireteams
• OR 1 Light Machine Gunner: QBB-95 and 1 Rocket Gunner: PF-98A rocket or QLZ-87 Automatic Grenade Launcher. 1 Riflemen in support role, may carry 2 rocket rounds.
• 1 Designated Marksman: QBU-88 (Equivalent to Dragunov).
• 2 Riflemen: QBZ-95
• Driver & Gunner: QSZ-92 pistol or QBZ-95 carbine

4. Light Infantry CAB Squads

High mobility, quick response units

VEHICLES: 3.5 ton trucks, 4×4 vehicles

SQUAD: 9 (1 driver who may or may not operate a mounted weapon)

• 1 Sergeant or Staff Sergeant:QBZ-95 rifle. Can be vehicle commander and may not always dismount.
• 1 2nd IC: QBZ-95 rifle. May have a QLG-10 Grenade launcher or QBS-9 shotgun.
• 1 Light Machine Gunner: QBB-95. 
• 1 Designated Marksman: QBU-88 (Equivalent to Dragunov).
• 1 Rocket Gunner: PF-98A rocket. 1 Rifleman in support role, may carry 2 rocket rounds.
• 3 Riflemen: QBZ-95
• Driver: QSZ-92 pistol or QBZ-95 carbine

5. Navy’s Marine Infantry CAB Squads

These are PLAN’s infantry units.

VEHICLES: Lynx 8×8 ATV and MI-17 helicopters

SQUAD: 9

• 1 Sergeant or Staff Sergeant:QBZ-95 rifle. Can be vehicle commander and may not always dismount.
• 1 2nd IC: QBZ-95 rifle. May have a QLG-10 Grenade launcher or QBS-9 shotgun.
• 1 Light Machine Gunner: QBB-95. 
• 1 Designated Marksman: QBU-88 (Equivalent to Dragunov).
• 1 Rocket Gunner: PF-98A rocket. 1 Rifleman in support role, may carry 2 rocket rounds.
• 4 Riflemen: QBZ-95

Vehicle Marking System

PLA uses a 8 character alpha-numeric marking system for most of its vehicles, at least those in CABs. The system may be different for vehicles in old fashioned military formations such as Tibetan and Xinjiang MDs. A typical vehicle identifier belonging to a CAB will look like this:  LD13 6402.

Following is the way to decode it:

First 4 characters denote the type of unit (Land, Air, Naval), Theatre Command and the army and brigade numbers. 

• L: Land unit
• D: Eastern Theatre Command
• 13: 1st Group Army of TC, 3rd brigade of CAB .

So  LD13 is 160th CAB of 72nd Group Army under Eastern Theatre command

Next 4 digits identify the battalion, company and number of vehicle,

• 6402: 6th battalion, 4th company, 02nd vehicle

Now take a look at the tank below with the following marking: LN12 2309. 

• L: Land unit
• N: Southern Theatre Command
• 12: 1st Group Army of TC, 2nd brigade of CAB

So LN12 is 16th CAB of 74th GA belonging to Eastern TC.

Moving on to next digits, 2309

• 2309: 2nd battalion, 3rd company, 09th vehicle. 

GAs are usually identified by 1,3 and 5; not 2 and 4. LX21 and LX41 are for 76th and 77th Artillery brigades.

Following are the alphabets used to identify the affiliation of vehicles.

L	Land
B	North
D	East
N	South
X	Western
Z	Central
S	Tibet MD
J	Xinjiang MD
H	Marine (Not in use now)

Marine units have slightly different system. 1st Digit in a 4 digit number will be Brigade number,  2nd digit will be Battalion. 3rd and 4th digits include the Company details too. A battalion usually has 56 ICVs in 4 Companies. Each company has numbers allotted in multiples of 14. 1st Company will be 1 to 14, 2nd Company will be 15 to 28, 3rd Company will be 29 to 42 and 4th Company will be 43 to 56. 

So a vehicle with number 4244 will be the 2nd vehicle of the 3rd Company of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade .