(Bqp.vn) - The Ground Forces is not organized into a separate command, but put under the direct guidance and command of the Ministry of National Defence, the General Staff, the General Political Department, and under the specific direction of general departments and other functional agencies. In the early days, the VPA was composed of the Ground Forces only, mainly infantry. After years of building, the Ground Forces have gradually developed in organization and strength to meet the requirements, circumstances and fighting modes of the Vietnam people’s war.
The 308 Infantry Division (the first mobile regular unit of the VPA) was established on August 28, 1949 in Don Du town, Dong Hy district, Thai Nguyen province. It consisted of 3 infantry brigades (88, 102, 36), the 11 Infantry Regiment (Phu Thong Regiment), the 410 Artillery Regiment and affiliated units.
Foundation Ceremony of 308 Division. (photo: Document)
The Ground Forces consist of seven Military Regions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9) and Hanoi Capital High Command, six arms (Artillery, Tank and Armour, Engineering, Signal, Chemical, and SOF) and four corps (1, 2, 3, and 4). Each military region, Army corps and arm has Commander and Vice Commanders, Commissar and Deputy Commissar, functional agencies responsible for staff, political, logistics, and technical affairs and other subordinate units. The military regions are organized in strategic directions and areas. Each military region consists of affiliated regular divisions and regiments. A military region commands provincial and district military units and the Militia and Self-Defence Force within the region. Army corps, the largest-size mobile units in the Ground Forces, is positioned to protect the country’s vital strategic local areas. An Army corps is composed of divisions and other affiliated units. The arms participate in joint and combined operations as assigned and also exercise the function of technical support and officer and technical personnel training in professional branches for the whole VPA. Each arm has its own combat units, officer-training colleges and professional technical schools.
The Ground Forces of Vietnam are equipped in the “modern, light and compact” direction so as to achieve the capabilities of high mobility, strong shock and fire power, and fighting in various terrains and any weather and climate conditions in conformity with the art of modern people’s war. Having undergone a lot of trials during the wars for national liberation and defence, the Ground Forces have gradually matured, excellently fulfilled their duties, and built the glorious tradition. All of its corps, most of the arms and numerous units have been awarded the title of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.
