ROC Armed Forces - 4 Month Military Training
Taiwanese men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military for four months. Taiwan considered extending its four-month military service requirement, the country's defence minister said 23 March 2022. The announcement came amid tensions between Taiwan and China, which are further exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The war in Ukraine stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force. Chiu Kuo-cheng, minister of defence, said the government would not make any changes immediately, but he pledged to release the results of its internal research regardless of what they decide.
In response to questions from lawmakers, Chiu said that proposals for extending military service were still being considered and a plan would "definitely" be presented this year. "Currently, we are still in the research stage. This year we will definitely have results." He said "We must consider the enemy situation and our defensive operations in terms of military strength".
In 2017, changes slashed the conscription period to just four months. Most draftees serve even less, as up to two weeks can be deducted if they've completed military training classes in high school and college. The four-month conscripts typically receive five weeks of basic training before they are assigned to field units for more specialty training. But they're more a burden than an aid, not treated seriously by career or non-commissioned officers as their short stays mean they are seen as guests rather than soldiers. By design, they are not involved in any field exercises or battle preparation training in any way. They are told to be safe and not to get into trouble. Basically, this is a summer camp.
| Stage | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
| Timetable | Initial Entry Training (8 Weeks) | Specialty Training (8 Weeks) |
| Objective | Qualified Rifleman (Warship Soldier) | Qualified Specialist |
| Training Unit | Army Recruit Training Brigade, Cadre Training School, Navy and Marine Training Center. | Military School, Cadre Training School, and Dedicated Training Units. |
| Training Content | 1. 5 days of training a week, 8 hours a day for a
total of 320 hours.
2. General courses, political education, combat training (includes marching training), physical training, combat training, firing training, and basic training. 3. Navy soldiers also receive swimming training. |
1.5 days of training a week, 7 hours a day for a total of 280 hours. 2.General education courses, specialty training, and physical training. 3.Marines also receive swimming training. |
| Qualification Standards | 1. Evaluations include 9 items under 4 categories. 2. Physical requirements: (1) Throw a grenade at least 26 m. (2) 37 Push-ups (3) 31 Sit-ups (4) Run 3,000 m within 18 minutes 3. Rifle Accuracy Hit 4 out 6 shots at 175 m |
1. Evaluation items are based on specialty and military school requirements. 2. Basic physical requirements: (1) 41 Push-ups (2) 34 Sit-ups (3) Run 3,000 m within 17 minutes |
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