The Concept of Military Generation: The Chinese Communist Case

Defines "military generation" as a group of men who entered the military during a particular period characterized by a crisis of professional feast or famine. Presents criteria for defining military ethic and style. Discusses ten military generations of the PLA's political power. Traces changes in the concept of the military role and changes in tactics and strategy. Deals with effects of Japanese invasion, the Korean War, the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, and the Sino-Soviet conflict on the role of the military. Describes inter-generation controversy over People's War versus advances in military technology, and discusses how recent personnel changes may affect the future