The Republic Of China Army

The Republic of China Army (ROCA) is the largest branch of the Republic of China Armed Forces. An estimated 80% of the ROC Army is located on Taiwan, while the remainder are stationed on the Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, Dongsha and Taiping Island. The ROC Army's current operational strength includes 3 armies, 5 corps. As of 2005, the Army's 35 brigades include 25 infantry brigades, 5 armoured brigades and 3 mechanized infantry brigades.[3][4][5] All infantry brigades stood down and transferred to Reserve Command after 2005. This update reflects the ROCA order of battle at the conclusion of the Jinjing Restructuring Plan in 2008. A new type of unit called defense team is being introduced. These are formed by elements of de-activated brigades under each area defense command. The strength of a defense team may vary from one or more reinforced battalions, making it roughly equal to a regiment. The team CO is usually a full colonel.