22 August 2024

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Type 23 Military Ribbons

Edward Francis, Jennifer Chang, and Ken Allen, The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Type 23 Military Ribbons: Turning Chicken Ribs into Chicken Drumsticks (Vienna, VA: Exovera, 15 August 2024).

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This report analyzes the PLA’s new “Type 23” military ribbon system, implemented in January, 2023. This comprehensive study examines how the revamped system significantly expands the information conveyed by uniform insignia for both officers and enlisted personnel, focusing on military honors and service experience. The report provides crucial insights for intelligence professionals and military analysts seeking to understand PLA personnel structures and achievements.

The report also offers a detailed baseline for interpreting the new PLA ribbons, including reference tables and analysis of over 200 individual badges. It highlights how the system brings Chinese military practices closer to those of other major armed forces, while noting the dynamic nature of these changes.