Despite the setbacks the Republic of China has suffered in diplomacy in the past 30 years, its people have remained united to achieve remarkable progress in economic development. Matching this development has been an equally outstanding performance in the buildup of national defense capability.

Dr. Ray S. Cline, Director of world power studies at the Georgetown University Center for Strategic and International Studies recently assessed that the Republic of China holds 12th place in the world in terms of military power, national strategic objectives, and the people's determination.

The government of the Republic of China has established its own power assessment system for its armed forces over the past 30 years.

The Ministry of National Defense began to select the best units from the army, navy, air force, combined service forces, garrison command and military police from 1971. On Armed Forces Day on September 3, 36 model units, known as Chu Kuang Lien Tuei, received awards from the Ministry of National Defense and the public.

The criteria for choosing Chu Kuang units include strong ideological education and military training, economical use of labor and material resources, strict adherence to military laws and regulations, and successful achievement of combat missions. Receiving the award is a significant event for the armed forces, and a special honor for the chosen units. The following is a general introduction to some of this year's Chu Kuang units.

Armored troops--the steel lion

Initiated at the end of World War I, the armored troops played a major role in World War Ⅱ. Their strong armaments and high mobility made them a decisive force in defeating the enemy.

The armored troops of the Republic of China were first organized by General Hsu Ting-yao at the beginning of the Sino-Japanese War. After winning the decisive battle at Kuningtou, they won the title of "the Bears of Kinmen."

Unit 3346-2 is the winner of this year's Chu Kuang Lien Tuei in the army sector. During battle exercises, no sooner had company commander Chen Shun-kuei given his orders, than 12 tanks and four armored vehicles moved ahead to attack their targets. Amid the roar of gun fire, moving vehicles and smoke bombs, the soldiers took the enemy camp in broad daylight using only their machine guns and rifles. Their mastery of combat techniques, determination, high morale and strict organization were worthy of the high honor bestowed.

Company commander Chen Shun-kuei, 29, said the training courses for armored troops include driving, shooting, telecommunications, maintenance and political education. He said that the army upholds the consistent principle of "better to maintain than to repair, and better to repair than to purchase new equipment." He makes sure that his soldiers carry out strict maintenance so that battle vehicles are always in good shape.

Commander Chen also pays attention to the soldiers' recreational activities. Yueh Hsiang Lake, constructed in honor of General Hsu Ting-yao, is an ideal place for them to relax. Besides providing opportunities for boating, swimming and bridge construction training, the lake is also used to raise fish and shrimps.

"Sincerity, love and enthusiasm" are the watchwords of the soldiers of Unit 3346-2. Their unity, strong efforts, training, and war preparedness have led to their being chosen as Chu Kuang Lien Tuei for the second time this year.

Fushan Warship--crack troops at sea

The navy of the Republic of China is equipped with guided missiles and sophisticated electronic equipment. It has carried out missions in surface and submarine theaters and in air defense, shore shelling, escort and rescue. With the addition of anti-submarine planes and helicopters, the navy is truly three-dimensional.

Navy ships cruise the Taiwan Straits all year round, playing a major role in safeguarding the bastion for national revival, and ocean transportation.

Jane's Fighting Ships published in Great Britain records that the Republic of China ranks fourth in the world in terms of numbers of destroyers.

The Fushan docked at Keelung harbor is this year's Chu Kuang (model) warship. Its major missions include escort, special delivery, transport and supply, reconnaissance and cruising. Last year, it traveled more than 1,693 hours and 15,853 nautical miles, conducted 22 field operations, and issued plastic cups, handbills, white flower balm and soap to cheer fishermen on the Chinese mainland.

Sailors on the Fushan receive strict training in artillery, target shooting, hand-to-hand combat, and the handling of emergency situations such as bomb and torpedo attacks or fire below decks.

On-board recreation facilities include television, library, ball games, tug-of-war, and bridge. Each soldier has five days off a month.

Lieutenant Kuo Chung-feng, captain of the Fushan, said that the honor of the warship depends on the concerted efforts of all crew members. During peacetime, they engaged in such activities as extinguishing fire on other boats, cleaning up the environment, and donating blood.

Soaring ambition of the air force cadres

The Chinese Air Force, founded and nurtured by the late President Chiang Kai-shek, constantly upholds its glorious tradition of "Chien Chiao." It holds firmly in check Chinese Communist airplanes, and has become internationally known for its superb flying record and combat techniques. In peace or at war, at the front or in the rear of the enemy lines, the air force is always prepared to protect the nation's territorial integrity on land, at sea and in the air.

Recently, the Chinese Air Force has helped to achieve remarkable progress in the aviation industry. It is able to manufacture trainers, UH-IH helicopters, and F-5E jet fighters, and maintain and repair all equipment.

Air Force unit 6065-3 has been chosen as this year's Chu Kuang Lien Tuei. Founded in 1934 in Hangchow on the Chinese mainland, the Chinese Air Force entered the jet age in 1953 when the F-84 thunder jet fighter was put into service. The unit was also the first in the air force to fly F-5E fighters. It has taken part in some 40 battles including the suppression of the Chinese Communists, and the war of resistance against Japan. This is the fourth time the unit has won the Chu Kuang Lien Tuei honor.

The major mission of Unit 6065-3 is to ensure the security and supremacy of the air force over the Taiwan Straits. Last year alone, the number of combat missions reached a record high of 467 sorties, each successfully accomplished.

Major Yang Chi-ling, a 13-year veteran who is captain of the squadron, was elected as this year's hero of the armed forces. He gave credit for his achievement to the cooperation of his 21-strong crew.

One of his pilots, Hsiao Chi-Kuo, recalled that his most memorable mission was when he intercepted two Russian airplanes that had trespassed upon the air defense identification zone of the Republic of China.

Second Lieutenant Chin Chung-miao was a model cadet in Unit 6065-3. Last year, while conducting a routine flight, he discovered he had engine trouble. As he was flying over Tainan city, he could neither make a crash landing nor bail out. Using superb techniques, however, he managed to land safely at his Tainan base.

Besides regular training in the art and techniques of war, including night flying, bombing runs, counterattack and interception, Unit 6065-3 specializes in getting in the air in record time in its F-5E fighters. It takes fliers 2 minutes and 50 seconds to complete 50 actions, including putting on flying uniforms, helmets, oxygen masks, and earphones and starting the engines.

Frogmen--A resourceful and courageous team

The marine corps reaps the harvest of the navy and prepares the way for the army. The amphibious reconnaissance unit is an ample representative of the courageous marine corps. Frogmen are noted for their bronze-colored skin, robust build, agility and superb combat techniques.

Unit 7047-91 of the navy is a frogman troop, which is respected by its superiors, peers and the general public, and is a formidable force against the enemy. Its outstanding performance last year led to its being chosen as Chu Kuang Lien Tuei of the year.

Comprising a combat-intelligence unit, the frogmen are in charge of the gathering and delivery of intelligence information in front and behind enemy lines, and conducting hand-to-hand fighting in the enemy camp.

To fit them for their task, the frogmen must first undergo three months of stamina training, including running, swimming, and all kinds of martial arts, and another three months of professional training including demolition by explosives, diving, scouting the beachhead, and overcoming obstacles. A weekly test is held to weed out sub-standard recruits. In the last week of their training, the frogmen must run and swim 10 kilometers, and undergo a test of nerves. The most difficult part of all is crawling along a 150-meter long "paradise road," paved with sharp stones. Though they know they will emerge bloody and bruised, they are eager to accept the challenge. Withstanding the hot summer sun and icy cold sea in winter has helped them to build up their muscles, stamina, courage and combat techniques.

Besides successfully completing military exercises, the frogman unit provides help and service for the public. Donating blood and money, helping farmers to harvest rice and assisting people involved in car accidents are among their most outstanding civic actions.

Marine Patrol Force--the fishermen's protecting "god"

The Garrison Command and District Defense Command are in charge of social security, mobility and vigilance missions. Their work centers around investigation, control, and uncovering traitors and secret agents of the Chinese Communist regime, and maintaining national security and social stability.

Over the past 30 years, the Garrison Command has reinforced its maintenance of the security of transport, telecommunications, power stations, bridges and tunnels, airports, and harbors, and rooted out subversive elements.

Unit 7605-3 of the Garrison Command, a marine patrol force stationed at Anping harbor near Tainan, has been chosen as the Chu Kuang Lien Tuei for the second time.

Often starting their missions at midnight, members of the Marine Patrol Force form sea patrols to scout uninhabited islands and shoals and prevent the infiltration of enemy vessels, smuggling and illegal entry. To qualify for their challenging missions, they must undergo the same training as frogmen.

The patrol craft used by Unit 7605-3 are the Ta Han and LCSR 272 models. Each craft is manned by a boatman, a skipper, a signal man, and two gunners, and equipped with light and heavy machine guns and carbines. The crew is always in a state of war preparedness and ready to cope with any incident. Since it was stationed in Anping Harbor in 1971, Unit 7605-3 has helped to reduce the incidents of smuggling and illegal entry. In September and December last year, its members detained two fishing boats smuggling dates and wine from the Chinese mainland.

In appreciation of the continuous protection it provides, fishermen in Anping Harbor refer to the unit as Matsu (Goddess of the Sea).

Military Police--paragon of the armed forces and protector of the people

Military police have the dual role of enforcing law in the armed forces, and ensuring social stability. They must set an example in acting as both guard and friend to the troops, offer relief from natural disasters, and be a stabilizing force in society.

The Chinese military police force was founded in Canton in 1914 by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and accompanied the army on an expedition led by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in 1925. In the past more than five decades, military policemen have made a considerable contribution to the eastward and northward expeditions, suppression of Communist rebellion and war of resistance against Japan. In day-to-day affairs, they mediate in disputes between soldiers and civilians, and handle traffic cases.

Military police unit 3564-3 was chosen as this year's Chu Kuang Lien Tuei. With their green uniforms, white helmets, and automatic rifles, military policemen stand out in any parade. Their knowledge of the martial arts helps them in making arrests and seizing weapons.

Captain Lin Cheng-lung, 24, of unit 3564-3, is the youngest Chu Kuang company commander in the armed forces. Lin said that because the 100 soldiers he leads are in his age group, he finds it easy to get along with them in combat training, and achieve the unity which has brought honor to the unit. Through its strong team spirit, the unit won 16 contests organized by the armed forces last year.

Its members are the epitome of the armed forces of the Republic of China, always ready to defend the Three Principles of the People, and open up a new vista for the nation.

[Picture Caption]

1. The tank unit which has been chosen as Chu Kuang Lien Tuei in the army sector. 2. & 4. The armed forces attach great importance to the maintenance of equipment. 3. In combat maneuvers, tanks advance amid clouds of dust and smoke.

1. 2. & 5. The officers aboard the Fushan Warship stage an emergency war maneuver. When the signal is given, the gunners are immediately fully armed and aim cannons at the targets. 3. Captain Kuo Chung-feng (fourth from left) poses for a picture with his comrades. 4. Officers working in the steering cabin.

1. & 2. F-5E jet fighters made in the Republic of China. 3. & 4. Officers of the Air Force Chu Kuang unit installing missiles on the F-5E jet fighters. 5. Second Lieutenant Yang Chi-ling is elected hero of the armed forces for the year.

1. Amphibious reconnaissance troops, also called frogmen, are in charge of scouting the land. 2. Master Sergeant King Sheng-kuei was chosen as this year's hero of the armed forces for the help he has given to the people. 3. All frogmen have bronzed skins and robust physiques. 4. Frogmen are nimble, strong and are thoroughly versed in combat techniques.

1. The Marine Patrol Force stationed at Anping, Tainan, patrols at sea to prevent infiltration by enemy vessels, illegal entry, and smuggling. 2. & 3. Trained by the frogmen, members of Marine Patrol Force have unusual stamina.

1. Uniformed military police in smart formation. 2. & 3. Judo, and other martial arts help military police in making arrests and seizing weapons.

The armed forces attach great importance to the maintenance of equipment.

n combat maneuvers, tanks advance amid clouds of dust and smoke.

The armed forces attach great importance to the maintenance of equipment.

The officers aboard the Fushan Warship stage an emergency war maneuver. When the signal is given, the gunners are immediately fully armed and aim cannons at the targets.

The officers aboard the Fushan Warship stage an emergency war maneuver. When the signal is given, the gunners are immediately fully armed and aim cannons at the targets.

Captain Kuo Chung-feng （fourth from left） poses for a picture with his comrades.

Officers working in the steering cabin.

The officers aboard the Fushan Warship stage an emergency war maneuver. When the signal is given, the gunners are immediately fully armed and aim cannons at the targets.

F-5E jet fighters made in the Republic of China.

F-5E jet fighters made in the Republic of China.

Officers of the Air Force Chu Kuang unit installing missiles on the F-5E jet fighters.

Officers of the Air Force Chu Kuang unit installing missiles on the F-5E jet fighters.

Second Lieutenant Yang Chi-ling is elected hero of the armed forces for the year.

Amphibious reconnaissance troops, also called frogmen, are in charge of scouting the land.

Master Sergeant King Sheng-kuei was chosen as this year's hero of the armed forces for the help he has given to the people.

All frogmen have bronzed skins and robust physiques.

Frogmen are nimble, strong and are thoroughly versed in combat techniques.

The Marine Patrol Force stationed at Anping, Tainan, patrols at sea to prevent infiltration by enemy vessels, illegal entry, and smuggling.

Trained by the frogmen, members of Marine Patrol Force have unusual stamina.

Uniformed military police in smart formation.

Judo, and other martial arts help military police in making arrests and seizing weapons.

Judo, and other martial arts help military police in making arrests and seizing weapons.