Joshua Arostegui
Abstract: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) implemented major changes to the organization, accession, and training of its army’s special operations forces (SOF) beginning in 2017, including the creation of a 12-man SOF team and establishment of a probable national-level army-subordinate counterterrorism unit. Beginning in 2025, the PLA introduced several changes to improve officer accession and noncommissioned officer retention in its special operations community. This article assesses observed changes since 2017 designed to improve the PLA’s command and control of its army’s SOF units and to set the foundation for China’s elite forces becoming world-class by 2049.
Keywords: People’s Liberation Army, PLA, PLA Army, PLAA, special operations forces, SOF
Following the completion of a highly publicized China-Serbia joint special operations training event in late July 2025, Belgrade claimed the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces that participated “showed an exceptional level of organization and professionalism.” Although many of the highlights surrounding Peace Guardian 2025, which took place in Hebei Province, China, emphasized both sides’ use of Chinese equipment, including firearms and unmanned ground and air systems, Beijing could not have asked for a better compliment.[1]
While Serbia’s participating unit, the 72d Special Operations Brigade, is a well-trained and equipped combat force, the PLA Army’s (PLAA) special operations units are typically reported as inexperienced and inadequately trained for optimal integration with conventional military forces.[2] Yet, the compliment from Serbia’s Ministry of National Defense reflects eight years of quiet transformation within China’s special operations forces (SOF). Driven by decades of engagement with foreign militaries and observation of conflicts where special operations units have played outsized roles on the battlefield, the PLA has not only changed the organization of its army’s special operations teams to use a more Western style, but it also adopted innovative programs to retain more professional operators and leaders within its elite units.[3]
This article is intended to inform readers of how China is modernizing and professionalizing the army’s special operations forces in preparation for future wars. This work also includes new findings about the creation of a 12-man SOF team construct, the establishment of a probable national-level army counterterrorism force, and major adjustments to how special operations officers and recruits are canvassed and trained. However, this work does not detail PLA special operations tactics, how SOF units will carry out missions in certain campaigns, and known special operations leaders.
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