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Why did Lin Biao emphasize both military training and political education in the army?

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Lin Biao, Zhou Enlai, and other Chinese officials stand in uniform, holding up Little Red Books during a 1967 Red Guard rally in China. — Lin Biao At a 1967 Red Guard rally, Lin Biao (left) and Zhou Enlai publicly display copies of *The Little Red Book*.

Lin Biao emphasized both military training and political education in the People’s Liberation Army to create a model organization that combined technical effectiveness with ideological purity.12

After becoming minister of defense in 1959, Lin sought to reform the army by intensifying political indoctrination while simultaneously upgrading military training. This approach was rooted in Mao Zedong’s teachings, which held that professional expertise and political consciousness should be integrated. By fostering this combination, Lin aimed to ensure that soldiers remained loyal to Maoist ideology, which he believed was essential for maintaining the revolutionary vision and preventing the rise of revisionism within China.12

Lin’s efforts transformed the army into a model for the rest of society to emulate. He further popularized this ideology among military recruits by compiling and editing Quotations from Chairman Mao, also known as the "Little Red Book," which served as a tool for political indoctrination. Ultimately, this emphasis on political standards allowed the leadership to maintain strict discipline and ensure that the military remained a reliable instrument of the party.123