Aviation and Special Forces Command

The Republic of China Army Aviation and Special Forces Command (Chinese: 中華民國陸軍航空特戰指揮部) is the special operations force of the Republic of China Army.^[1] It is intended to be a highly mobile force that can quickly respond to PRC attacks against Taiwan's government.^[2]

Aviation and Special Forces Command
中華民國陸軍航空特戰指揮部
Founded	Original: January 1, 1944 Current form: March 1, 1958
Country	Republic of China (Taiwan)
Branch	Republic of China Army
Type	Special warfare operations
Engagements	Third Taiwan Strait Crisis

History

The command traces its origin to the 1st Airborne Division that was founded on January 1, 1944, in Kunming, Yunnan.^[1] The division was part of the Republic of China Air Force before being transferred to the Army on May 1, 1951.^[3] The Army Special Forces Headquarters was created on March 1, 1958, and was combined with the Army Airborne Headquarters on April 1, 1974. In 2006 it was renamed the Army Aviation and Special Forces Command.^[1][3]

Organization

Members of the Aviation and Special Forces Command at a recruiting booth.

The command includes five special operations battalions (forming the 862nd Brigade), two helicopter brigades, two training centers, and separate units.^[2][3][4]

• 862nd Special Warfare Brigade
• 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion
• Airborne Special Service Company
• Army Aviation Training Center
• Army Special Forces Training Center