-
Hsinchu camp welcomes recruits under extended service plan
The first batch of recruits in Taiwan reported to Hsinchu County’s Litoushan Camp in Xinpu Township on Thursday (Jan. 25). The 206 Brigade’s Battalion 4 received 304 new recruits from the northern region, who will undergo an eight-week training program. The military restored its previous one-year conscription in line with the "Strengthening National Defense Force Structure Adjustment Plan." The training curriculum is divided into four stages, focusing on core values, fitness, rifle shooting, combat coaching, and weapon handling. All new soldiers underwent health screening and inspections upon arrival, including drug-sniffer dogs. Additionally, the recruits had their heads shaved after receiving their uniforms.2024/01/25 16:41 -
Ministry of National Defense retires two drug-sniffing dogs
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that three drug-sniffing dogs have completed their service, one continuing under the Customs Administration’s evaluation and the other two retiring in October. The MND deployed 18 additional detection dogs across various regions in December 2022. Major General Chen Heng-wei stated that the detection squads conducted 467 assigned smell duties through educational recalls and base applications. Throughout the year, operational areas designated 211 smell duties, with 145 requests from military bases. The government mandates a service limit of four years for these canines, but dogs in good condition may serve up to seven years. The establishment of drug-sniffing dog units began in 2020 as part of efforts to deter military personnel from bringing drugs into the barracks, showcasing the ministry’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for drugs within military facilities.2023/12/20 18:35 -
Taiwan’s MND touts success of drug-sniffing dog teams
The Ministry of National Defense in Taipei showcased its drug prevention program’s accomplishments, emphasizing the effectiveness of its narcotics detection dog teams. Since December last year, 18 additional dogs have been added to these teams, allowing regions across Taiwan to request their services for drug-sniffing operations within military camps. According to government regulations, these service dogs typically serve for four years, with the possibility of an extension to seven years. Since 2020, three narcotics-detection canines have completed their service term, with replacements already trained and deployed. The defense ministry conducted 467 drug-sniffing missions within military bases this year through mobilization, camp applications, and operational zone assignments. Additionally, over 1.13 million urine screenings have been conducted among military personnel, with positive results leading to prosecutions and the removal of implicated individuals from service.2023/12/20 17:18 -
Search and rescue dogs retire from Taichung Fire Bureau
Three esteemed search and rescue dogs, Iron Xiong (鐵雄), Leggy (雞腿), and Penwan (本丸), retired from the Fire Bureau of Taichung City Government. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen personally presented them with retirement certificates at the "Graduation Ceremony for Retired Search and Rescue Dogs." These four-legged heroes played a crucial role in disaster response efforts, including the Hualien and Türkiye earthquakes, tirelessly searching for signs of life amidst the ruins. The event was a heartfelt episode as the dog handlers passed the dogs on to their new adopters. Mayor Lu emphasized the dogs’ relentless efforts to protect the citizens of Taichung, deserving high honors and a fitting send-off. Sun Fu-you, the director-general of the Fire Bureau, expressed gratitude for their service and wished them happiness and peace in retirement.2023/10/28 16:24