A series of unauthorized exotic dance shows at military bases has outraged service leaders, leading to strong disciplinary action against those involved.
At least three colonels have been demoted and removed from their posts for hiring dancing girls to perform for soldiers, despite a military ban on sexually suggestive shows.
The shows first came to light when journalists, part of a group of reservists taking part in a five-day activity at an army base in Kaohsiung last November, were in the audience for a performance given for the benefit of the troops.
The resultant exposure lead to widespread criticism both inside and outside the military.
More criticism followed last week when another show, this time at an air base in Taichung last October, was reported by the press.
The air force was quick to release a statement announcing heavy punishments for those involved, but the move was not able to stop the release of photographs on the Internet showing base personnel dancing with a group of scantily clad women.
In response to the damaging pictures, a spokesman for the Air Force General Headquarters admitted that the photos were real but denied that the girls took off all their clothes as rumored.
A general with the Ministry of National Defense said the incidents were disappointing and that problems needs to be addressed.
"Strong punishment is needed. The military cannot allow personnel to make decisions that disregard regulations and discipline," the general said.
Such breaches of discipline by top-ranking officials also indicates serious problems with the leadership, he said.
The incidents might be connected to the drastic drop in the number of dance groups run by the military in recent years, another defense official said.
The military used to maintain around 20 dance groups to entertain service members. The dance groups traveled around the country visiting one unit after another throughout the year.
Due to a recent streamlining project, only three groups still exist.
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