Foreword to ROC Equipment
The Republic of China Armed Forces are military units that are established for defense and counterattack against amphibious assault and urban warfare. They are the means of defense against any possible invasions. They emphasize on rapid deployment of forces that are suitable for combat in Taiwan’s heavy urban environments.
The Republic of China Army originated from the Chinese NRA, which was founded by the Kuomintang in 1924. After 1949, the ROC Army has participated in combat missions against the PLA in the Battle of Kuningtou. Additionally, their Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion commandos have been sent to raid the Fujian and Guangdong coasts. Following the lifting of martial law in the 80s, and soon democratization in the 90s, the mission of the ROC Army went from retaking the Chinese mainland, to that of defence.
Greatly influenced by western militaries, especially the United States, France, and the Netherlands, the ROC Armed Forces are a unique fighting force which are relied on for their commitments to Taiwan’s defense.
ROC Camouflages
Digital Camouflage Combat Uniform (DDCU) - Adopted around 2013, this camouflage is used by both the ROC Army and the Air Force. Being designed by the Military Armaments Nurea, this adopted pattern was choosing from a series of trials that began in 2010. It sports a dense pixel design suitable for urban humid environments.
Digital Tigerstripe- This camouflage is a new pixelated version of their old tiger striped pattern. The Defense Ministry has revealed this pattern in 2017. It is worn by the ROC Marine Corps as their standard BDU.
Multicam- The Army’s Airborne/Special Operations Command have appeared in public areas sporting Multicam camouflage uniforms.
ROC Headgear
EMBH105 Helmets- Taiwanese troops have been updated with more modern gear, sporting gear influenced by western countries. Being a non issued piece of equipment, this helmet was introduced as a means to test out its capabilities on the field. Helmet covers were recently adopted by the ROC Marine Corps, being shown with their Digital Tigerstripe camo.
A variation also includes a 2001 Helmet style, a combat helmet that trades some ballistic protection for more comfort.
PASGT Style Helmet- Taiwanese made helmets in the style of the PASGT system are still in circulation with the infantry. They are looking to replace them with Mich styled helmets in the future.
Taiwan M1- The M1 was used originally when the United States supplied equipment to aid Taiwan’s army. Taiwan had a substantial number of these helmets, and later they became the only standard helmet for their Army, Marines, and Navy, until their recent change to more modern equipment.
These came with an inner liner that was similar to Danish M48s, and sported green cotton chin straps that were similar to the United States’ M1s.
To this day, their M1 variant is still used by their Army, Navy, Air Force, and Reserve units.
ROC Vests/Plate Carriers
(NOTE- The ROC Armed Forces uses a myriad of equipment, especially chest rigs. Some are older than others. This section will go over the ones most commonly used.)
MBAV/IOTV Styled Vest- Previously the standard issue for both the Army and the Marines, this plate carrier is fundamentally similar to both MBAV and IOTV. Being a heavy vest, it is meant to protect vital areas with armored plates.
A-TWO JPC- ROC Army Amphibious Frogmen units are issued JPCs. Made by A-TWO, a company specializing in replicating high speed equipment in ROC camouflage, this plate carrier is highly modular, with multiple pouches being attached to it for any mission.
88D 6094 Tactical Vest- Due to maritime operations, many Amphibious Recon Battalion units are now using the 6094 style vest, which sports net pockets inside which is used for emergency buoyancy. This vest also includes a quick release system for emergency detachment.
CV105 II Plate Carrier- This newly issued carrier is now seen with the ROC Military. It sports decent ballistic protection, but may be slightly cumbersome to small framed people.
Guarder MOD Commander Recon Vest- Being lightweight and modular, this vest has been issued to reconnaissance troops. It sports multiple pouches, but does not contain bulletproof protection.
Flak Vest- This piece of equipment is still issued to units in the ROC Army, Reservists, and Artillery. It is designed to provide shrapnel protection, but sports poor bullet impact protection.
Webbing Gear- Fundamentally, the ROC Armed Forces still rely on a web system. Being adopted since the beginning of their history, reservists and some Army units still utilize this piece of equipment. Pouches for their Type 57 rifles are included.
TG-V007 Plate Carrier- This is a plate carrier that is currently issued to the ROC Marines. It is generally well liked and an iconic look with the Marines.
ROC Uniform
Standard Issued Battle Dress Uniform- Being the standard issue for active service, this uniform is good enough for what it does. Quality is slightly average, as it has been known for uniforms to fade or even rip in tough environments.
Combat Uniform Set- Having been recently spotted with the ROC Marines, this uniform set is light and comfortable, being made with ripstop material for added durability. It contains a combat shirt style, with material made to aid cooling on hot and humid days.
Additional Gear
Black Canvas Combat Boots- Made of Cowhide leather, and rubber for the soles.
Patched Weather Parka- Issued to ROC Army units for cold weather.
Ricardo Milos style Marine briefs- It’s manly.
ROC Reference Gallery
Thank you to A-Two Tactical for Vest Photos!
Special Thanks To-
Bryan Su- Publisher/Author
Ryan (Fukh Hayou)- Information/Picture Gathering/Editor
Kenneth Young- Information
Diego Igama- Editor