Another one for Furrified History. Red panda soldiers, because you know, they're "red." Anyways, happy Chinese New Year!
During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), the PLA introduced a new uniform, Type 65. It is a simplistic uniform based on the Mao suit that reflects the ideals of radical equality during that period, that is the abolition of ranks. The command structure persists, but members refer to each other regarding their position in the unit (i.e. calling an officer a "Commander" instead of lieutenant, captain, etc.). Enlists have two pockets, whereas officers have four. Still, this caused confusion in the battlefield, as proven by the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979, especially due to the lack of clearer insignias.
Changes were eventually made during Deng Xiaoping's tenure, also known as the "reform and opening up" period. At first, the PLA introduced Type 85 uniform in 1985, but the army's ranking system remained the same due to debates regarding on how to reintroduce the hierarchy. However, the most significant change happened with the adoption of Type 87 uniform in 1988 as it marks the time when the PLA reintroduced its rank system (with some adjustments). With Type 87, the PLA also finally switched from closed collar to open collar uniform, in line with the reforms undertaken by the Party during that period.
During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), the PLA introduced a new uniform, Type 65. It is a simplistic uniform based on the Mao suit that reflects the ideals of radical equality during that period, that is the abolition of ranks. The command structure persists, but members refer to each other regarding their position in the unit (i.e. calling an officer a "Commander" instead of lieutenant, captain, etc.). Enlists have two pockets, whereas officers have four. Still, this caused confusion in the battlefield, as proven by the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979, especially due to the lack of clearer insignias.
Changes were eventually made during Deng Xiaoping's tenure, also known as the "reform and opening up" period. At first, the PLA introduced Type 85 uniform in 1985, but the army's ranking system remained the same due to debates regarding on how to reintroduce the hierarchy. However, the most significant change happened with the adoption of Type 87 uniform in 1988 as it marks the time when the PLA reintroduced its rank system (with some adjustments). With Type 87, the PLA also finally switched from closed collar to open collar uniform, in line with the reforms undertaken by the Party during that period.
Category Artwork (Digital) / All
Species Red Panda
Size 2307 x 1597px
File Size 5.05 MB
Listed in Folders
I lived in Beijing in the late 90's when I was a foreign apprentice in a Chinese acrobatics troupe. The theater I worked in had minimal heating, but my teacher hooked me up with a surplus PLA winter greatcoat. That thing was *amazing*. It was like wearing a quilt. I managed to take it with me when I returned to the US. Served me extremely well when I lived in Canada. Miss those old school PLA threads!
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