29
The PLA’s readiness is undoubtedly hampered by the short term of obligated
service for conscripts, 24 months. This period means that one-third of China’s ground
forces leave active duty each year and the percentage of troops with a complete, annual
exercise cycle on their record is limited. This has meant in the past that the PLA has
lacked the large body of experienced professional soldiers needed to operate
sophisticated equipment; however, revision of the military’s system of training and
education during the past decade and a half has resulted in significant progress
overcoming this shortfall.
A related weakness in the PLA is the ongoing struggle to develop a professional
NCO corps. Military service, with its low remuneration and family disruption, is still
viewed as a poor alternative to work in the private sector. China's leadership is aware of
these weaknesses and is trying to address them in its overall modernization program.
Army Equipment
46
Armor
Main Battle Tanks
7,580: 1,280 modern (80x
Type 98, 1,200xType 96)
Light Tanks
1,000
Armored Personnel Carriers
>4,500: ~2,000 modern
(300xType 89I; 600Type92;
1,000x Type 86A)
Convention