Minifigure – Honor Guard of the Three Services of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays the complete Honor Guard of the Three Services (San Jun Yi Zhang Dui) of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). This elite formation is responsible for ceremonial duties, such as welcoming foreign heads of state and performing flag-raising ceremonies. The set features the three distinct branches of the Chinese military, identified by their uniform colors.

Here is the breakdown of each character from Left to Right:

1. The Navy Honor Guard (PG-990) – Left

• Uniform: This figure wears the Blue Ceremonial Uniform. While standard PLA naval dress is often white, this figure is labeled “Navy” and features the gold Aiguillette (braided cord) on the left shoulder, a symbol of ceremonial status. He wears a Peaked Cap with the PLA red star emblem.

• Weapon: He is armed with the black QBZ-95 (Type 95) Assault Rifle, the standard bullpup service rifle of the Chinese military, often used in a chrome-plated version for parades.

• Historical Note: In the real-world Type 07 uniform system, the Air Force usually wears Blue and the Navy wears White. It appears the labels on this toy set (PG-990 and PG-1044) might be swapped compared to strict historical reality, or represent a specific seasonal dress variation.

2. The Air Force Honor Guard (PG-1044) – Center

• Uniform: This figure is dressed in the pristine White Ceremonial Uniform. He wears the same gold Honor Guard Aiguillette and a white belt with a gold buckle.

• Headgear: He wears a matching peaked cap with the Red Star emblem.

• Weapon: Like his counterpart, he holds the QBZ-95 Assault Rifle, ready for inspection or drill commands. This white uniform is highly distinctive and is traditionally associated with naval officers in summer, though labeled “Air Force” here.

3. The Army Honor Guard (PG-989) – Right

• Uniform: This figure wears the iconic Pine Green Ceremonial Uniform of the PLA Ground Force. This is the most recognizable color of the Chinese military.

• Details: He features the yellow/gold Collar Tabs with the pine branch design and the gold Aiguillette on the shoulder. Unlike the others in this specific image, he is shown standing at attention without a rifle, highlighting the formal “stand at ease” posture.

• Role: The Ground Force is the senior branch of the PLA, and its representative typically leads the formation during parades.

Historical Background: The PLA Honor Guard was formed in 1952 to provide a ceremonial welcome for international dignitaries. They are famous for their rigorous training, uniform height requirements, and “goose-step” marching style seen in Tiananmen Square. These figures represent the Type 07 Ceremonial Dress, introduced in 2007 to modernize the look of the Chinese military with better tailoring and more ornate insignia compared to the older baggy uniforms.