New China installed the military rank system for the first time in 1955 and abolished it in 1965. The establishment of the military rank system on October 1st, 1988, was required to boost the modernization and standardization of the People's Liberation Army.

The ranks are senior general, general, lieutenant-general, major-general, senior colonel, colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major captain, lieutenant, and second lieutenant.

Three different medals were awarded to the retired veterans in accordance with their contributions to the Chinese revolution. They were the PLA Red Star Medal of Honor, the PLA independence Medal of Honor, and the Victory Medal of Honor.

The number of years to be served by draftees is: three years for the land force, four years for the air force, the land service forces of the navy and special technical troops of the land force, five years for naval vessel troops and shipping branches of the land force.