Shifting from primarily offensive capabilities to a hybrid offensive-defensive force, the marine corps is establishing new land and sea-based units to defend missile and radar crews, local outlets reported today.
The marine corps established the land-based “Air Defense Guard Group, First Security Battalion” on Nov. 14 last year, composed mainly of one-year conscripts, to safeguard mobile missile and radar units, enhancing battlefield security.
As part of this strategic shift, the marine corps was reported as saying it had disbanded M60A3 tank battalions and M109A2 self-propelled artillery battalions, while establishing a drone battalion.
Photo: Liu Yu-chieh, Taipei Times
In addition, to strengthen the defense of political and economic centers, the Marine 66th Brigade has been reassigned to the strategic reserve force and deployed to key infrastructure locations such as Taipei International Airport (Songshan airport), it said.
Maritime security would be carried out by a special unit, trained for both land and sea operations, the marine corps said.
This unit would support amphibious landings, provide reconnaissance and security during ground operations and help protect the flanks of military forces, it said.
In peacetime, it would also work with government agencies on counterterrorism and disaster response, it added.
The corps said that the M109 special assault boat, due to its high mobility and firepower, can effectively deal with nearby enemies during coastal water defense operations, ensuring mine-laying missions are successfully completed.
Besides this, the marine unit’s role would be adjusted in response to the upcoming establishment of the navy’s Coastal Operations Command, the military said.
First Security Battalion Commander Kuo Shih-yu (郭詩玉) said that all security tasks require the use of vehicles, so team personnel, mainly one-year conscripts, must have basic driving and vehicle troubleshooting skills.
More sophisticated equipment would mainly be operated by battalion officers, Kuo said.
Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲), a research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said that establishing these security battalions reflects important strategic changes in the military that extend beyond the marine corps to the army, navy and air force.
For example, the navy is developing an underwater fleet using domestically produced submarines and establishing a Coastal Operations Command next year to strengthen its land-based combat capabilities, Su said.
The marine corps has taken on a hybrid offensive and defensive role, changing the numbers and types of vehicles used to respond to conflicts and armed threats, he said.
Its main force would be positioned on Taiwan proper to rapidly respond to any threats, he said.
This strategic shift aligns with the US Marines’ decision to abandon tank battalions and strengthens Taiwan’s overall defense, he said.
In the future, the marine corps would be a security force and strategic reserve, working alongside the army and military police in different defense zones, taking on the role of “guerrilla fighters,” Su said.
Jiang Hsin-biao (江炘杓), an assistant researcher at the institute and retired navy captain, said that the marine corps should establish new types of combat capabilities, such as utilizing drones and anti-drone systems, for effective security roles.
Regarding maritime security, Jiang said that since the greatest threat to mine-laying boats comes from the sky, it is necessary to strengthen air defense capabilities.
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