TAIPEI (TVBS News) — These high school students are ribbing each other because they might do different service times despite being in the same grade. Taiwanese men born between September and December 2005 may only need to serve four months in the military, while those born between January and August 2006 may need to serve one year.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) is set to announce the resumption of 1-year mandatory military service later this year. Though nothing is set yet, the MND hinted that Taiwanese men born in 2006 and after will need to resume the year-long conscription service.
According to the MND's latest plans, men in Taiwan born between Jan. 1, 1994, and Dec. 31, 2005, will continue to undergo four months of military service when the time is needed. However, those born on and after Jan. 1, 2006, may see their conscription service extend to one year.
Meanwhile, those who previously served 4 months would not be required to return and train for an additional 8 months to match their peers.
With the looming possibility of Taiwan resuming one year of military service, the public has expressed varying opinions in support of and against the new policy. While some agree with the changes, others remarked that if it's the national policy, there isn't much to say about it.
Amid rising cross-strait tensions, the Minster of National Defense has already remarked that under these tense circumstances, if push comes to shove, Taiwan's military men may need to step up training to better defend the nation.
