Taiwan Marine's Special Forces
New Submachine Gun - Amphibious Reconnaissance Patrol (ARP)
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31 January 2025 (Friday)
Taiwan Marine’s Special Forces
New Submachine Gun - Amphibious Reconnaissance Patrol (ARP)
By Wendell Minnick (Whiskey Mike) 顏文德
TAIPEI - As part of an annual exercise to reassure Taiwan’s population the military is not drunk off-their-ass for Chinese New Year, the Marine Corp demonstrated their elite special operation unit.
Taiwan’s Amphibious Reconnaissance Patrol (ARP) under the Amphibious Reconnaissance Group (consisting of ARP 1, ARP 2, and Underwater Demolition Team) under the Marine Corps, showcased their new MPX [submachine gun].
The ARP should not be confused with the Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion (Army Frogmen) based on the outer islands.
Translation of press release of the Ministry of National Defense (MND):
Spring Festival Special Edition on January 31, 2025
The Marine Corps is brave and tenacious, safeguarding the Chinese people's peace of mind for a prosperous New Year.
(Reported by Wu Baorong, Taipei, March 31) The Ministry of National Defense recently invited media to interview the Marine Corps' MPX submachine gun exercise. Through group position changes, and weapon deployment, the training is showcased, allowing the Chinese military to stay alert during the Spring Festival.
The Marine Corps Special Forces is a squadron under the Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Squadron, primarily tasked with anti-hijacking, anti-destruction, and counter-intelligence. Becoming a Marine Special Forces martial arts officer requires nine months and three stages of training before qualifying, with an acceptance rate below 5%.
Lieutenant Lin, a soldier in this dynamic shooting drill, stated that after graduating from military school, he enrolled in the Marine Corps Amphibious Search Specialist Class to challenge himself. Upon completion, he further advanced his training and became a Marine Special Agent.
The MPX submachine gun has a fast firing rate and a short barrel, making it suitable for indoor spaces. Lieutenant Lin noted that MPX [possibly the 9mm XT104 Submachine Gun, Materiel Production Center (MPC), 205 Arsenal] submachine guns use 9mm caliber with a firing rate of 850 rounds per minute. Due to their small size, they are lighter and more stable than rifles. Lieutenant Lin also added that weapon use primarily depends on task nature, environmental conditions, and platooning.
In addition to introducing the MPX submachine gun, Lieutenant Lin further explained that the Marine Corps, due to its special mission nature, must possess high professional skills. He strictly adheres to guidelines, commands, and instructions, continuously learning from training to improve his abilities.
On the eve of the Spring Festival, Lieutenant Lin also hopes to showcase the results of their intensive training to the Chinese people, letting them know that the National Army never closes during the Spring Festival and remains steadfast at all times to safeguard their happiness and national security. (Photographed by Liu Shangyu, a journalist from Military News Agency).
Those interested in Taiwan Army/Marine equipment consult the 575-page Taiwan Army Weapons and Equipment, including Marine Corps (2022).
Examples of ARP unit patches (personal collection):
BELOW: Old Patches/Decommissioned Units:
