A recent Central China TV (CCTV) segment from Kunming, Yunnan proudly showcasing one of the PLA Logistics Support Force’s “modern” communication solutions: homing pigeons. Yes, carrier pigeons. In 2026. As a key node in battlefield communications.
It’s almost poetic.
Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed the PLA modernize at breakneck speed or at least their version of modernization. First came the large riot‑shield‑style defensive gear. Then the polearms for “extended reach.” Then the long pikes for “phoenix formations.” Naturally, composite bows for the light cavalry followed. And now, the final jewel in the crown: airborne messaging and communication solutions
Surely this will strike fear into the hearts of China’s neighbors. PLA critics (you know they are out there), however, point out a small historical complication: the PLA hasn’t successfully mounted a cavalry charge since the mid‑Qing dynasty, roughly 200 years ago. So perhaps it’s understandable that handling such cutting‑edge equipment as carrier pigeons might present.... challenges.
Still, the expectations placed on these little birds are enormous. They are now responsible for battlefield logistics support communication, message delivery, and if CCTV is to be believed: The symbolic continuity of the Chinese military’s “cutting edge, innovative spirit”
Honestly, I feel bad for those little birds. They didn’t ask to become the backbone of a 21st‑century logistics network
Speaking of homing pigeon, here's to you "Cher Ami" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cher_Ami
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Modern PLA Land Unit Of The Day. Light Cavalry
After reviewing the modern Chinese heavy shield infantry and Phalanx / Mandarin
Duck formations, next up is the mysterious PLA Light Cavalry. The PLA
Light Cavalry, like other Light Cavalries such as the legendary
Mongolian equivalent, is trained as swift scouts and battlefield
raiders. As a result, they traded heavy armor for speed and mobility,
allowing them to perform critical missions such as performing
reconnaissance, quick raids against the enemy's rear, and protecting the
flanks of the main army. At least in principle. In actuality, as
evidenced by the photographs below, they are not properly armed for
modern combat of 2024. While it is understandable that they are not
protected with plate armor, they are also not wearing mail shirts for
little protection against arrows or melee warfare.
As
several famous PLA professional analysts have properly pointed out, the
PLA has not performed a massive cavalry charge since the mid Qing
dynasty, 200 years ago, thus it is understandable that they will not
know how to handle modern combat. They are untested. Additionally,
they appear to be equipped just with a saber and a composited bow, with
neither shield or lance to be found. Furthermore, crucial two-way
communication technology such as Ram Horn is not available at the
squadron level; as some well-known PLA professional analysts have
pointed out, corruption at the top levels is to blame for not equipping Ram Horn to each troop.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
They’ve finally done it: the PLA is now fielding units in a tight phalanx-style formation
Well, they finally went and did it. The PLA is now marching out in what looks unmistakably like a phalanx: long pikes, tight ranks, and a wall of shields up front.
Until now, we’d only seen PLAN
infantry armed with shorter polearms, weapons built for flexible
formations and brutal melee work. But on open ground, nothing beats the
raw stopping power of a heavy pike block. And with that extra shield
layer in front, the message is clear: this formation is meant to hold.
The photos don’t show the flanks, but I’d wager they’ll anchor the formation with fast movers, light cavalry or light infantry to keep the wings from being rolled up. In 21st centry modern combat, there's full of battles where the center held but the flanks collapsed. The PLAN high command surely knows the pattern.
PLA heavy infantry update
Finally, the PLA frontier defense heavy infantry is now receiving
much-needed equipment standardization and enhanced armor, including leg
and elbow guards. Yes, after more than 2000 years, the poor PLA
infantry is now headed in the correct way in terms of adequate armor
protection, closing the gap with their Han Dynasty counterparts.
I am not crying, just have sands in my eyes......
More Photos For Your Modern Infantry ToE Nerds Out There
Good to see that the Mandarin Duck formation is alive and well. With that being said, a plate armor upgrade would be a great next step upgrade.
Wednesday, October 02, 2024
The PLA still has a much to learn about modern warfare, particularly infantry tactics and related Table of Equipment in 2024
What's wrong this this PLA Phalanx? For starter, their spears are too short, lacking standards. What? no shield? Yikes, only four rank deep.
I am telling you, they would not stand a chance against Little Alex’s Macedonian phalanx of 323 BC. No not a chance.
Man,
oh man, the PLA Hastati border guard is carrying a cheap, Chinese
knockoff gladius that isn't even sharp to start. Their scuta also
appears to be of low quality.
Group photo of this 13-member Contubernium
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