Military Service 結果共52筆

Explore how Taiwan’s Health Service Training Center leverages VR and AI technology to transform military medical training, featuring realistic simulations based on international conflicts.

Taiwan’s Director-General in Boston, Charles Liao, responds to China’s interference in Taiwan’s elections with military threats and economic bullying. Liao highlights Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and refusal to bow to Chinese pressure. The U.S. State Department, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the European Union’s European External Action Service congratulate elected officials Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Despite China’s attempts at interference through disinformation, military intimidation, and economic threats, Taiwanese voters remain resilient in their pursuit of democracy and freedom. Liao’s response is prompted by a Boston Globe article suggesting that the U.S. should prioritize Taiwan as a democratic partner.

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.

Taiwan has reinstated its compulsory military service, starting Jan. 1, 2024. The first batch of conscripts reported for an extensive training program at Chenggong Ling military training camp in Taichung, with improved pay and conditions, marking a significant moment in Taiwan’s defense strategy.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) Army Command Headquarters announces the extension of compulsory service to one year. Newly enlisted soldiers will undergo an eight-week training in recruit centers throughout northern, central, and southern Taiwan. The training program consists of four phases, focusing on core military values, physical fitness, combat skills, rifle shooting, and combat coaching. The final assessment includes physical combat skills, rifle shooting proficiency, and comprehensive combat coaching.

Taiwanese conscripts have expressed concerns that their monthly earnings still fall short of the country’s basic labor wage despite a recent salary increase. Privates, the lowest military rank, now receive a monthly salary of NT$26,307, including insurance and meal expenses. However, this amount is still lower than the standard basic labor wage of NT$27,470. Last year, President Tsai Ing-wen extended the mandatory conscription period to one year, and the wage adjustment for privates gained significant attention. Under the new system, privates can earn up to NT$20,320, consisting of a base wage of NT$10,130 and an additional NT$10,190 for specialized skills. In addition to their salary, they also receive military insurance (NT$1,240), national health insurance (NT$1,839), and a meal allowance (NT$908), bringing the total payment to NT$26,307. The first batch of 670 army conscripts for the one-year service started their eight-week entry training on January 25. Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an encouraged the privates to form sincere friendships, develop disciplined habits, and cultivate a sense of responsibility during their military life.

The first group of conscripts for the one-year compulsory military service in Taipei enlisted on January 25. These 670 young men will undergo an eight-week enlistment training. The extension of mandatory military service, approved by President Tsai Ing-wen last year, has posed emotional challenges for many young couples. Girlfriends accompanied their conscripted boyfriends to the Department of Compulsory Military Service’s Alternative Service Center, offering encouragement and expressing hope that military service would help their partners overcome bad habits and become more responsible. Despite the year-long separation, conscripts expressed faith in their relationships, although they couldn’t help but worry about the lack of constant communication. Various girlfriends reassured their worried boyfriends, saying, ＂Don’t worry!＂ The Ministry of National Defense stated that the decision to extend mandatory service was influenced by changing international situations, authoritarianism, defense combat needs, and the intensity of the four-month military training. It was also based on a comparative study of conscription systems in other countries.

＂Island in Between,＂ a documentary by Taiwanese American director S. Leo Chiang, has been nominated for Best Documentary Short Film at the 96th Academy Awards. The film provides an outsider’s perspective on the everyday life of the Kinmen Islands, exploring the complex relationship between Taiwan, Kinmen, and China through the lens of Chiang’s father’s military service memories. Chiang, who was born in Taiwan and raised in the U.S., aims to offer a unique perspective on the Taiwan Strait crisis by sharing the experiences of the people living in the region. The winners of the 96th Academy Awards will be announced on March 10.

Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen and his cabinet have tendered their resignations, which were approved during a cabinet meeting. The resignations await confirmation by the president for a new government to take charge on May 20. The premier is expected to step down before the first legislative assembly after the current legislators’ term expires. The executive branch will continue to push its policy agenda during this transitional period, aiming to work with the new legislative body to promote policies beneficial to the nation and its citizens. Chen Chien-jen launched significant policies during his term, including cash handouts, education subsidies, and safety measures for a sustainable automobile society. He also emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to defense capabilities and democracy through the successful submarine launch and the resumption of one-year military service.

The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan has announced new training assessment rules for recruits, emphasizing strict criteria to qualify for additional allowances and professional certificates. This comes as Taiwan extends its mandatory military service to one year, with enhanced training activities including realistic military drills.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih challenges the effectiveness of President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign policy, questioning its impact on Taiwan-China communication, severed relations with former allies, extended military service, and increased risk of Chinese fighter jets breaching Taiwan’s airspace. The three presidential contenders, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je, discuss U.S.-Taiwan relations and their stance on President Tsai’s policy. Hou questions DPP’s handling of tainted politics during their time in power and highlights his support for the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). He also addresses concerns over cross-strait flight operations and employment difficulties for Chinese students in Taiwan. Hou pledges to follow the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and maintain administrative neutrality without relying on any side.

DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim expressed confidence in Taiwan’s ability to gain international trust and recognition despite global pressures. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a diplomatic balance, using the analogy of a cat’s sense of balance. Hsiao also highlighted the need for a fair and balanced Taiwan-U.S. trade relationship. She believes that promoting mutual benefits between Taiwan and the U.S., including in areas of national security and economics, will safeguard Taiwan’s democratic freedoms. Hsiao acknowledged the differences between Taiwan and Israel but suggested that Taiwan could learn from Israel’s innovations in military training. She also emphasized the extension of compulsory military service in Taiwan to ensure peace and build strength.

DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim praised Israel’s military service training and suggested that Taiwan could learn from their use of dual-use technology. Hsiao acknowledged the differences between the two countries in terms of military obligations and defense budgets. She emphasized the need for Taiwan to find its own path while learning from different countries, considering its unique historical and geopolitical context. Hsiao also advocated for extending Taiwan’s current four-month military service training period to a year, as many other nations do. She proposed that Taiwan could adopt advanced dual-use technology from other countries to provide servicemen with valuable skills and enhance their contributions to national defense.

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.

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.

Former President Ma Ying-jeou criticizes DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s opposition to the cross-strait services trade agreement, calling it ＂a screw loose＂ and accusing the DPP of questioning the policy’s benefits. Ma also highlights the DPP administration’s governance failures, including shortages of vaccines and rapid test kits during the pandemic. He emphasizes the stability of cross-strait relations under the ＂1992 Consensus＂ during his presidency, contrasting it with the increased military incursions under the DPP’s approach. Ma argues that opening up service trade with China would benefit Taiwanese professionals but has been hindered by the DPP’s interference.

The Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that only five students have applied for the ＂3+1 program,＂ which allows for three years of university study followed by one year of military service. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng addressed concerns about the program’s administrative process and gender regulations, as only male students are currently eligible. The Ministry of Education implemented the program guidelines in June, and the military is working on improving the training aspect to increase efficiency and accessibility.

Former Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, Michael Jonathan Green, emphasizes that Taiwan’s recent extension of military service to one year is a significant indication of its commitment to defense. Green warns that any reversal of this decision would raise concerns in both the United States and Japan. As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, the main concern for the U.S. is Taiwan’s vulnerability to Chinese pressure or military action. By extending military conscription, Taiwan is demonstrating its political will to counter Beijing’s intimidation. The United States, Japan, and Australia believe that Taiwan’s efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent war are commendable. Green highlights that any threat posed by China to Taiwan could jeopardize security across the entire First Island Chain, impacting nations like the US, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. Green, who has served in the Bush Administration and was part of the U.S. bipartisan delegation that visited Taiwan in March, stresses the critical importance of Taiwan’s resolve for self-defense.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen inspects the new military conscription training program at Taichung’s military center, Cheng Kung Lingg. The Ministry of National Defense confirms the first batch of one-year conscripts will begin service on Jan. 25. The initial training for new recruits has been extended to eight weeks, with a focus on battlefield conditions. The training includes battlefield medical aid, advancing under simulated enemy fire, and rigorous final evaluations. The program also features shooting with night vision goggles and a live grenade-throwing exercise. President Tsai observes machine gun training and notes an increase in rounds fired. After basic training, soldiers will be assigned to units based on their interests and expertise. Approximately 9,127 individuals are expected to be drafted next year. The first group of conscripts can report for duty before the Lunar New Year and spend time with their families.

The ＂Pension Contribution During Mandatory Military Service Act＂ was passed by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, requiring a 6% monthly pension deduction from servicemen’s salaries starting January 1, 2024. The law mandates that the hosting organization deducts this percentage from each serviceman’s wages and allowances, with the funds being deposited into personal pension accounts established by the Labor Insurance Bureau of the Ministry of Labor. Upon retirement from the military, individuals can participate in pension systems across various sectors. The Executive Yuan also approved a plan to strengthen and recalibrate the national defense force structure in 2022, including lengthening the military service term for men born after 2005 to one year starting from January 1, 2023. The Ministry of National Defense sees this act as treating military service as part of one’s personal career.

President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to protecting freedom, democracy, and regional peace at the 2023 Taipei Security Dialogue. The event focused on key issues including China’s challenge to the global order and democracy, the influence of the Ukrainian-Russian war on global relations, and China’s expanding global influence. Tsai discussed strengthening self-defense capabilities, restoring compulsory military service, increasing the defense budget, and highlighted Taiwan’s first domestically produced submarine prototype. She drew examples from Ukraine’s resistance against Russian invasion and conflicts in the Middle East to highlight the impact of ＂grey zone＂ activity on stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Other attendees included high-ranking officials from Taiwan’s government and diplomats and experts from various countries.

Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, delivered a speech at Riga Stradins University in Latvia, clarifying Taiwan’s position amid tensions with China. Despite enduring military intimidation, diplomatic isolation, and economic threats from China, Taiwan remains committed to achieving peace through open conversation while being pragmatic and prepared for potential risks. Wu praised the diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Latvia, as both countries share similar paths to democracy and the establishment of sovereign statehood. However, both countries face unprecedented security challenges, with a standoff between democracy and autocracy driving the current international conflict. Wu emphasized that established democracies cannot ignore the expansion of authoritarianism, which seeks to undermine the rules-based international order. In light of President Tsai’s decision to restore one-year military service, Wu stressed the importance of being armed to protect Taiwan’s freedom, as the cost of losing it is unbearable for a democratic society.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has announced plans to conscript around 9,100 men for one-year compulsory military service in 2024. The MND, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, has completed preliminary plans for monthly conscription. The enlisted men will be assigned to various locations across the island, including eastern defense units, rescue teams, and other guard units. Additionally, conscripts will have the option to serve in offshore islands or scheduled military units based on their specific civilian skills.

Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng announced that the nation’s mandatory military service may require some conscripts to serve on outlying islands. Chiu clarified that not all outlying islands have sufficient military resources, which may result in individuals being assigned there. During a special report by the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee, Chiu emphasized the need for firearms to be used silently to avoid detection amidst cross-strait tensions. He also addressed the possibility of extending the service period for mandatory service, indicating that this would require careful consideration and that willing and qualified individuals might serve in specific combat units. Chiu noted that obliging recruitment for combat units is a multidimensional process involving several steps and insurance issues. The military will continue to monitor different scenarios and work towards the most efficient conscription system.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) plans to increase the monthly food allowance for Republic of China Armed Forces personnel. The goal is to set a minimum of NT＄3,388 by 2025, with higher allowances for those serving in high-cost regions like Nansha Taiping Island. The adjustment will require an additional NT＄1.3 billion annually and will take effect in 2025.