The Ministry of National Defense said yesterday the ministry will review regulations for military police (MP) standing guard following a debate about a female MP resorting to an electric fan to stay cool while on duty.
“The ministry will conduct an overall review of the time span, the equipment, the material of the uniform and the experiences of the posted military personnel,” Minister of National Defense Kao Hua-chu (高華柱) said.
‘GETTING A FEEL’
Reports of people suffering heatstroke in the recent oppressive heat and the soldier with the electric fan brought the issue into the limelight.
The head of Taiwan’s Military Police, Lieutenant General Lee Hsiang-chou (李翔宙), stood guard himself to “get a feel” for the situation.
Lee reportedly traveled to the Air Force’s base in Hualien on July 2, a day after the reports about the MP and her electric fan were published, and donned the same outfit and equipment as ordinary guards.
HEAVY LOAD
Standard gear for posted guards includes a 3kg bulletproof vest, a 3.3kg T91 rifle, a 2.5kg anti-bullet helmet and more than 2.5kg of clothing and boots.
With the additional weight of 11.3kg, Lee stood guard for two hours between 2pm and 4pm and shared his feelings with other military policemen afterwards.
He instructed that adjustments in the length of time military policemen were required to stand on guard could be made depending on the weather, but he also said the duty is not only a responsibility but also a show of pride.
“Moreover, the posting is part of the training course, and there should be no electric fans around,” Lee was quoted as saying.
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