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Show for military enthusiasts draws hundreds in Taipei

Hundreds of military fans crowded the third floor of the National Taiwan Science Education Center in Taipei yesterday for the 2007 Formosa Militaria Show (FMS).

The two-day annual event, sponsored by Target magazine, a magazine that focuses on military issues, featured the latest equipment for special forces personnel and police.

Local toy manufacturers also displayed their latest rifle models, air guns and the like at yesterday's show.

Military fans also put on a show, decked out in military uniforms from countries around the world.

Military equipment collectors also occupied a corner at the show, where they displayed their collections.

Wu Wei-chun (吳偉群), an architect, said he fell for military-themed products when he was a teenager.

Wu said his enthusiasm for collecting military paraphernalia led him to volunteer for three years of military service.

Wu specifically collects US military paraphernalia -- "the older, the better," he said.

"I have more than 40 complete military suits, including those of the US army, air force and navy in my closet," Wu said. "I have spent at least NT$1 million [US$30,303] on my collection and have a room at home that I use to store my collection, too."

The show also attracted real military personnel. But unlike the enthusiasts decked out in the world's military uniforms, real military personnel opted to wear civilian clothing and keep a low profile.

"What can I say? I love my job," said a Military Police Academy sergeant who requested anonymity. "A real military person should not be spotted too easily, so I would never wear my uniform in public while off duty."

"I enjoy being a military policeman and I am proud of my job. The latest equipment [at the show] impressed me for sure," he said.
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