The Red Ribbon Army is a group of criminals who were headed by Commander Red. They were in search for the dragon balls for the purposes of world domination as a group, but Commander Red just want to use them to wish for him to be taller.
When Staff Officer Black, the other high positioned member found out about the real goal of Commander Red, Black killed him, especially because the journey to obtain the dragon balls cost the lives of various members. Red Ribbon Army then became the Black Ribbon Army, until they were defeated by a young Goku.
Upon defeat, most members went on their own while some remained to manage the army’s business, Red Pharmaceuticals. One of the members who endeavored to build his own life and legacy is Dr. Gero, the one who started with the androids, including Android 17 and 18.