The longest 10-day, 9-night Han Guang Exercise held by the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China concluded on the 18th. Experts believe that this was Taiwan’s closest and most successful military exercise to real combat, known as the Han Guang 41st military exercise.
According to Peng Jieshen, a former instructor of the Republic of China Navy Marine Corps and lecturer at the former Thunder God Consultancy Company, this Han Guang 41st military exercise was different from previous ones. In the past, the Han Guang exercises showcased the combined forces of the three services, demonstrating their superior strength and firepower in a spectacular display of artillery fire and rumbling aircraft noise to simulate anti-landing scenarios.
Peng Jieshen pointed out that unlike previous exercises, the Han Guang 41st military exercise did not feature elaborate pyrotechnics or preset large-scale formations. Instead, the various combat units had to respond to unexpected scenarios without a script. When given specific combat orders, each unit had to immediately devise the most effective measures against the enemy to delay or eliminate them, making it the military exercise closest to real combat in recent years.
He noted that this exercise had the most comprehensive and layered coverage, ranging from gray zone operations at sea to nearshore mine-laying, from blocking the mouth of the Tamsui River to deep defense, and finally to urban resilience and sustained combat. Over the course of ten days and nine nights of continuous operations, the exercise not only tested the military’s endurance in prolonged warfare but also showcased the dedication and tactical capabilities of the Ministry of National Defense and the General Staff Headquarters.
Analyzing the exercise, Peng observed that the military not only demonstrated proficient combat skills but also displayed deep tactical applications. The combination of these skills effectively countered the enemy’s conventional tactics, as outlined below:
1. With the entire military police force blocking the Wanban Bridge, they set up multiple layers of obstacles to lure the enemy into an ambush network.
In a simulated scenario at the Wanban Bridge where two enemy battalion units approached from the Banqiao District of New Taipei City, the defending forces predicted the enemy’s likely attack direction and set up obstacles to impede their advance. The obstacles included concrete blocks, New Jersey barriers, steel hedgehogs, snake belly wire obstacles, HESCO bastions, containers, and buses.
The blockade extended over 600 meters, not only delaying the enemy’s advance but also diverting them into the ambush route set by the Taiwanese forces. This ultimately led the enemy into the pre-prepared encirclement, where they were annihilated within the ambush network.
Responding to online speculation questioning the wide road adjacent to the bus blockade area, wondering if it would allow the enemy to pass through, Peng Jieshen explained that this tactic aimed to deceive, impede, and eliminate the enemy as part of strategic application.
Considering yourself as the attacking enemy, would you risk taking the wide road? Would you not consider the possibility of minefields, crossfire from machine guns, or even a deadly barrage of artillery shells? The hesitation and consideration of the enemy in such situations effectively delay their actions and potentially lead to their destruction.
2. Command Posts and logistics units of the military must execute counter-infiltration and counter-attacks tactics.
In a military analysis article written by Peng in August 2023, he cited the example of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, where the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) infiltrated behind American lines and disrupted their supply lines, resulting in the heroic sacrifice of Colonel Allan D. MacLean, commanding officer of the 7th Infantry Division “Polar Bear Regiment.”
He emphasized the importance of training all levels of the military, including command posts and artillery or logistical units, in counter-infiltration and counter-attack tactics. During this exercise, the reserve units and the logistics maintenance teams of the armored brigade practiced precision and practical exercises against enemy infiltration attacks.
On the evening of the 18th, Minister of National Defense Gu LiXiong announced the end of the Han Guang Exercise, praising the dedication of the servicemen and women who gave their all for ten days and nine nights. President Lai Ching-te posted on Facebook celebrating the exercise’s extension to 10 days and 9 nights and its realistic, script-less nature, confirming the defense operations and boosting public confidence in the military’s defense of the country.
Lai commended the entire military for their dedication and adaptability during the exercise, thanking the population for their support and understanding. He emphasized that as exercises become more aligned with daily life, the need for coordination increases, providing an essential opportunity to assess risk management.
To further enhance the military’s capabilities, Peng suggested more stringent tactical requirements for the most elite Airborne Brigade and Marine 99 Brigade. His recommendations include:
1. For the Airborne Brigade, two AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and two UH-60M helicopters conducted refueling and ammunition loading exercises in the forest and riverside parks with only symbolic sentinel guards performing vigilance duties. He warned of possible enemy infiltrations and suggested enhanced defensive measures to protect the refueling process from aerial and ground threats.
2. Regarding the Marine 99 Brigade’s rapid deployment support mission in Taipei, he highlighted the importance of reinforcing the 66th Marine Brigade with the 99th Brigade from Kaohsiung, as the latter may be facing insufficient troop strength. He stressed the need for rigorous training in challenging environments to cultivate a spirit of indomitable victory.
In conclusion, Peng acknowledged the several accidents that occurred during the Han Guang Exercise as part of the necessary process. He emphasized that regular training efforts would minimize risks during actual combat situations. Recognizing the complex terrain advantages for Taiwan’s defense, he expressed his utmost respect for the hard work of the armed forces and encouraged them to persevere further in safeguarding the nation.