Each year on September 3rd, the contributions of the nation's military are recognized with the proclamation of an "Armed Forces Day." In conjunction with this, the Ministry of National Defense announces its selections of the "Chu Kuang Lien Tui." This designation applies to those military units which have maintained a standard of excellence throughout the past year. The distinction applies to all areas of the military. In total there are 37 such designated Chu Kuang units from the following military sectors: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Military Police, and the Combined Service Forces. These units must display a continual standard of excellence in such areas as ideology, military discipline, and training. The members of the press corps are then invited to visit with the various selected divisions and see for themselves the valiant spirit that has helped mold the Chinese Military.

The limited number of winners and the extreme conditions required to earn this distinction—diligent adherence to duty and training, coupled with the crucial element of cooperation among the soldiers—have served to raise the standard of a fighting spirit, help establish a military "model unit", and an efficacy of military strength.

The Republic of China on Taiwan has continuously built up and developed its military forces to the point that the security and prosperity of the nation can be safeguarded from any attack.

Awards of distinction such as the present Chu Kuang, have been a tradition of the national military for the past 30 years. The basis for these awards has changed, reflecting the societal conditions that have existed at the given time. When the government first came to Taiwan in 1949, conditions were harsh for both the military and civilian populations. Beginning in 1950 an award for "Overcoming Difficulties Heroism" was given to encourage the fledgling forces. By 1962 these basic problems had been overcome and the award was retitled the, "National Military Heroism." This was soon superceded in 1965 with the present title which draws its significance from an ancient legend. During the Warring States Period (403-222 BC) the state of Yen had completely overwhelmed the state of Ch'i except for two cities, one of which was the city of Chu. Under the heroic leadership of the general T'ien Tan the remaining forces of Ch'i were able to drive out the invaders. A popular idiomatic metaphor uses this incident to emphasize that even the smallest force can defeat the enemy.

Air Force division 4910-3 was selected as one of the Chu Kuang units this year. This unit has won the distinction of being a Chu Kuang selection for a fifth time. Lieutenant Colonel Wang Nien-chu, one of the unit commanders, proudly stated, "Continual pursuit of award selection has become a glorious tradition for the division."

This past year the division has maintained a record of excellence in various inspections and military exercises. During the Han Kuang Military Exercises held this past June, the division performed outstandingly in all major areas: air defense, interception, attack, and destruction.

The 4910-3 owes a great deal of its success to a strict programme of disciplined training. Such dedication has forged this division into a fine-tuned machine—pilots can be ready within three minutes for any emergency attack, while ground support crews can completely service landing jets within 20 minutes.

Army division 6693-2-3 under the dedicated leadership of Captain Cheng Teh-mei has performed remarkably well in all important areas: military spirit and ideology, discipline, war preparedness and training, equipment maintenance, and soldier welfare. During the Physical Military Athletics Meet to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Whampoa Military Academy, the division captured the overall team championship. Coupled with their selection as a Chu Kuang unit, this army division is a fine example of the quality the Chinese military strives for.

"Not afraid to suffer, to face hardship or even die," this is a slogan that exemplifies the valiance and fighting spirit of the marine unit 4174-3. This unit trains diligently towards its goal of perfection—this year alone the unit has won an astounding 43 first-place titles in competitions.

Destroyer 928 of the Navy fleet was one of this year's selections for the Chu Kuang unit. Fully equipped with advanced weapons and instruments, the ship is designed to fight a complete sea battle—from the air, the surface, and beneath the waters. With such preparation and equipment, the security of the strategically important sea lanes of the Taiwan Straits can be safeguarded.

The above cited examples coupled with an incessant drive to upgrade and develop new weapons has set the fighting forces of the Republic of China on a road to military self-reliance. Continued adherence to the ideals of the Chu Kuang tradition ensures the future security of the nation.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

1. Heroic flying formation of the Air Force's F-5E jet-fighter. 2. Army air-bourne units, leaping from a helicopter, execute a command omission exercise. 3. Expertly trained soldiers of the air-bourne unit practice parachute jumps. After an accurate landing the soldiers immediately collect their parachutes.

1. Marine landing units clear a beach-head obstacle. 2. Soldiers of the Marine Honor Guard manipulate rifles in a performance drill. 3. Taekwondo is one of the compulsory activities for army soldiers.

1. Navy warships ensure the security of Taiwan's coastal waters. 2. Two army infantrymen display seasoned skill in crossing this obstacle. 3. Precise, well-trained bayoneting skills are a key part of a soldier's training. 4. Army soldiers, crawling forward towards their target, do not retreat from their goal.

2. Army air-bourne units, leaping from a helicopter, execute a command omission exercise.

3. Expertly trained soldiers of the air-bourne unit practice parachute jumps. After an accurate landing the soldiers immediately collect their parachutes.

1. Marine landing units clear a beach-head obstacle.

2. Soldiers of the Marine Honor Guard manipulate rifles in a performance drill.

3. Taekwondo is one of the compulsory activities for army soldiers.

1. Navy warships ensure the security of Taiwan's coastal waters.

2. Two army infantrymen display seasoned skill in crossing this obstacle.

3. Precise, well-trained bayoneting skills are a key part of a soldier's training.

4. Army soldiers, crawling forward towards their target, do not retreat from their goal.