The first batch of new recruits yesterday began serving their one-year compulsory military service after the conscription period was extended from four months due to concerns about China’s rising military threat.
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) announced the extension in late 2022.
At the Chenggong Ling (成功嶺) military training camp in Taichung, a group of young men gathered in the morning cold to be inducted, as dogs checked their bags for drugs and barbers shaved their heads before changing into army fatigues.
Photo: CNA
“It is our shared responsibility to adjust the structure of the military and improve combat power. It is also a foundation for us to strengthen our military power,” officer Lien Chih-wei (連志威) told reporters.
The army said in a statement that it expected a total of 670 conscripts to join the first batch under the newly extended scheme.
“In the face of a complex international environment, it is our first priority to build a strong will to resist the enemy,” it said.
Photo: CNA
“The extension of the compulsory service to one year will not only enhance immediate combat effectiveness, but will also improve the quality of reserve personnel, strengthen mobilization energy and enhance the overall combat effectiveness of national defense,” it added.
Tsai has described the previous military system, including training reservists, as inefficient and insufficient to cope with China’s rising military threat, especially if it launched a rapid attack on the nation.
Conscripts are to undergo more intense training, including shooting exercises, combat instruction used by US forces, and operating more powerful weapons such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and anti-tank missiles, according to previously announced plans.
Yin Hsin-shih (尹鑫石), 18, said he was a “little bit excited” to be joining up.
“For the country, it will provide the needed defense power given that our neighboring country is a great threat to our nation,” he said.
The US, Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms seller despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, has welcomed the conscription reform as part of Taiwan’s efforts to boost its ability to defend itself.
However, the period of service is still shorter than the 18 months mandated in South Korea, which faces a hostile and nuclear-armed North Korea.
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