TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's military plans to relocate an amphibious battalion headquarters from Kinmen to Penghu to facilitate joint training with U.S. forces. Experts cite the improved facilities, larger areas, and higher concealment of the location as key factors.
The Ministry of National Defense's (MND, 國防部) Army Command Headquarters (陸軍司令部) explains that troop deployment aligns with threat assessments and operational needs to bolster defense capabilities. Despite the relocation, the 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion will remain stationed on outlying islands, ensuring no reduction in forces.
"The relocation of the headquarters will strengthen the search and reconnaissance of Penghu's uninhabited islands," Yang Tai-yuan (楊太源), a researcher at Tamkang University's Center for Advanced Technology, remarks. "This is due to increased activities by Chinese maritime militia and research vessels near Taiwan's shores."
The 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, nicknamed the "Sea Dragon Frogmen," is Taiwan's version of the U.S. Navy SEALs. It handles various peacetime and wartime tasks and adapts to strategic changes to maintain its value.
Military expert Lu Te-yun (盧德允) emphasizes the benefits of U.S. training, as they "bring new concepts, tactics, and the use of speedboats." He further notes that Penghu offers better training and confidentiality than Kinmen, indicating a shift in focus without neglecting troop deployment.
Aiming to ensure their effectiveness in evolving defense strategies, experts believe the Sea Dragon Frogmen's value remains intact through flexible deployment.
