Republic of China Marine Corps

Republic of China Marine Corps
中華民國海軍陸戰隊
Emblem of the Republic of China Marine Corps with the map of ROC claimed lands of mainland China, Outer Mongolia, and Russia.
Active1914–1946
1947–present
Country Republic of China (Taiwan)
TypeMarines
Role
Size10,000 active personnel (2023)[1]
Part of Republic of China Navy
HeadquartersZuoying, Kaohsiung, Republic of China (Taiwan)
Motto(s)永遠忠誠
"Forever Loyal" (Semper Fidelis)
March海軍陸戰隊隊歌
"Marine Corps Song"
Engagements
Commanders
Commander of Marine Corps Command Lieutenant-General Ma Qun-Chao
Insignia
Flag
Unit colour

The Republic of China Marine Corps (ROCMC; historically as the Chinese Marine Corps, colloquially the Taiwanese Marine Corps) is the amphibious arm of the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) responsible for amphibious warfare, counter-landing and reinforcement of the areas under the jurisdiction of the Republic of China (ROC), including the island of Taiwan, Kinmen, and the Matsu Islands, and defense of ROCN facilities, also functioning as a rapid reaction force and a strategic reserve capable of amphibious assaults.[2][3]

Established in 1914 on Mainland China, the ROCMC is considered the most selective branch within the ROC Armed Forces.[4] The ROC Marines have gained much publicity for the "Road to Heaven" phase of one of their training courses[5] which is the final phase of the 10-week long selection program for their special forces, the Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol Unit.[6]

The ROC Marine Corps' official motto is "Forever Loyal" (pinyin: Yǒngyuǎn zhōngchéng), the Chinese translation of "Semper Fidelis".[7] The ROC Marines train with the USMC though these are generally classified, unofficial, or with trainees officially considered by either side as "observers."[8][9][10]

  1. ^ IISS (2023). The Military Balance 2023. International Institute for Strategic Studies. p. 293.
  2. ^ Easton, Ian; Wu, Dee (June 15, 2017). "Bolstering Taiwan's Last Line of Defense". The Diplomat.
  3. ^ Edmonds & Tsai 2006, pp. 117–118.
  4. ^ Thompson, Leroy (October 21, 2014). "ROC Military: Taiwan's Top Tier". Tactical-life.com. Archived from the original on August 1, 2019.
  5. ^ "The 'Road to Heaven,' one of Taiwan's most brutal military training events". Business Insider.
  6. ^ Chuang, Jimmy (November 10, 2008). "FEATURE: ARPU celebrates its 28th year with military drill". Taipei Times.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference culture was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ "Taiwan marines trained with US forces in 2017". April 12, 2018.
  9. ^ "Reports alleging US Marines conduct training". May 14, 2019.
  10. ^ Rej, Abhijnan (November 11, 2020). "US Marine Raiders Arrive in Taiwan to Train Taiwanese Marines". The Diplomat.

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