Han Kuang Embedded: Preventing Enemy Seizure of Sea Control! What If Harbor Defense Deviates from Plan? Military Activates 'This Procedure' Inspired by U.S. Forces

The Han Kuang 42 exercise is ongoing and entered its sixth day today (the 10th). It has now advanced to Phase Four: in-depth defense and protracted warfare. Storm Media embedded with the Second Combat Zone, which was incorporated into the Lanyang Operational Subzone to carry out harbor defense missions. Notably, the military has shifted toward scriptless drills and 'decentralized command and control.' Whenever operations deviate from the original plan, commanders at all levels immediately activate the Rapid Decision-Making and Synchronization Process (RDSP). This operational model mirrors U.S. military practices, indicating that recent U.S.-Taiwan military exchanges are yielding tangible results.

Nighttime Reinforcement to Yilan Harbor: Second Combat Zone Mobilizes Northward and Joins Lanyang Operational Sequence

As the Han Kuang exercise progresses, the Second Combat Zone moved north overnight from Hualien to the Yilan region to conduct cross-zone reinforcement. It has now entered the Third Combat Zone and is executing harbor defense missions. Lieutenant Colonel Lin Yang, commander of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion of the Second Combat Zone, stated in an interview that his unit arrived in the Third Combat Zone at 3:30 a.m. after departing yesterday and has been formally integrated into the Lanyang Operational Subzone’s command structure. The unit has officially commenced defensive operations in the Lanyang area and conducted harbor defense drills today.

A retired officer who previously served in the Lanyang region noted that the Lizihuan area in Yilan features a vast plain long considered by Taiwan’s military as a potential landing site for enemy forces. It remains the only feasible amphibious landing point on Taiwan’s eastern coast. The military has maintained an anti-landing operation plan for Lizihuan for years. In 2003, a related drill was conducted there, and in December last year, President Lai Qingde personally inspected reserve forces training with drones, setting up denial obstacles, and conducting small-unit combat drills in the area.

The Han Kuang 42 exercise conducted harbor defense operations on the 10th. (Photo: Liu Weihong)

'Decentralization' Empowers Command Down to Platoon Level: Activating U.S.-Style RDSP When Reality Deviates from Plan

In addition to amphibious landings, enemy forces may attempt to seize ports to gain maritime superiority, making harbor defense critically important. This year’s Han Kuang exercise emphasizes decentralized command and control. How far down is authority delegated? Lin Yang explained that decentralization is determined by mission units, not by battalion or company levels. For harbor defense, even platoon-level units can exercise decentralized, mission-type command once their mission is activated—no approval from battalion-level command is required.

The Han Kuang 42 exercise conducted harbor defense operations on the 10th. (Photo: Liu Weihong)

The current Han Kuang drills emphasize 'scriptless' training. What benefits does this bring to military units? Lin Yang stated it enhances troops’ ability to handle unexpected situations and improves commanders’ decision-making under pressure. Although joint combat plans and procedures are pre-established, enemies do not act as expected. When unforeseen situations arise, he, as battalion commander, immediately initiates the Rapid Decision-Making and Synchronization Process (RDSP). Once activated, operational guidance is issued immediately, and units carry out actions different from the original plan—this trains adaptability rather than rigid adherence to scripted scenarios.

More exclusive Storm Media reports: · Han Kuang Embedded: First 'Cross-Combat Zone' Reinforcement Mission—Second Combat Zone Rushes North to Yilan · Han Kuang Embedded: Civilian Trucks Transport Ammunition! Commander Qiu Zhifeng Personally Inspects and Issues 'Two Directives' to Boost Morale · Han Kuang Embedded: Second Combat Zone Simulates Enemy Special Forces Chemical Attack—Completes Decontamination of Personnel and Vehicles Within 30 Minutes, Reservists Rediscover Military Experience