Military Conscription
Taiwan is considering stepping up military recruitment amid fears China could speed up plans move against the country. Taiwanese defense ministery Chiu Kuo-cheng told the Legislative Yuan on 01 March 2022 that a move from national service to conscription "can't be ruled out," as lawmakers debated moving to a more active military recruitment program. Taiwan's army numbered 162,282 in 2021, with males over the age of 18 required to complete four months' military training, but falling birthrates mean that the pool of potential recruits is dwindling. The government had previously regarded all males up to the age of 36 as conscripted reservists. The legal affairs bureau tabled a proposal in the Legislative Yuan calling for debate on a return to conscription, if the military needs of the country can't be met by volunteers alone. Chiu said proposals to bring back year-long military service were also on the table alongside other options, but "I haven't made a decision yet."
Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Tseng Ming-tsung welcomed the proposals, although he said there should be a consensus among the island's 23 million population. "Given that the current situation is so tense across the Taiwan Strait, this may lead to war," Tseng said. "Assuming there is a [nationwide] consensus, we will support it." Tseng said "I think it is time to bring it out and have a proper debate".
National defense researcher Shu Hsiao-hwang said the current training period of four months may not be enough in the face of saber-rattling from Beijing. "The training period is really short right now ... which means that professional, operations and equipment training is also too short, which will cause problems for conscripted troops in future," Shu said. He said the lack of specialist training could mean a lack of key specialties among conscripted personnel, and that learning tactics in a training session was a far cry from knowing how to apply them on the battlefield.
Taiwan ended compulsory military service on 26 December 2018, when the final group of 412 conscripts was discharged. In the past, every year an average of about 100,000 men of conscription age began performing their one-year military service. In 2010, roughly 98,000 will join the military, including nearly 70,000 new college grads who began serving between June and December. In order to reduce the time these young men have to spend waiting, in 2010 the military was ready to train 18 battalions, which translates into about 10,000 new recruits, from June 29 or June 30. In the event this capacity is insufficient, an additional eight battalions would be added to accommodate a further 5,000 recruits. among the 18 battalions of advance recruits from the end of June, 12 will go to the army, while the navy, air force and marines will each handle two battalions.
Implementation of an all-volunteer military system was a major plank in President Ma Ying-jeou’s 2008 campaign platform. In December 2011, Taiwan further announced that all eligible Taiwanese males who were born after Jan. 1, 1994 will no longer be required to serve in the military. Instead, they will only need to undergo four months of military training. According to the timetable announced by the Ministry of National Defense (MND), local armed forces will be transformed into a full voluntary one by 2015. As part of the transformation, the military also aimed at reducing the number of local troops to around 215,000 from the current figure 275,000 by the end of 2014.
The previous conscription system successfully blocked the PLA with a 'mass force' capability. However, the previous conscription system was badly hit by political interference, which was a serial reduction of military service duration. It was also ineffective because of the widespread belief that war with China was unlikely. Eventually, the conscription system crippled Taiwan's military capability. Based on the government's effort to seek a peaceful solution, Taiwan's military looked for a suitable military service system, which was an all-volunteer force to fix the serious manpower problem of the conscription system.
In March 2011 Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu told the Legislature that plans for an all-volunteer military could not be implemented by 2015 as originally was hoped. However, Premier Wu Deng-yih said candidly that because of fiscal difficulties, the timetable for the transition from the current conscription system to an all-volunteer force system had yet to be decided. Wu said that in the future, the government would continue its plan to gradually phase out the conscription system and increase the percentage of volunteer military personnel in order to maintain the nation’s defense capabilities.
On 13 December 2011 the Legislative Yuan passed an amendment to the Act of Military Service System, stipulating that males of conscription age must still undergo a mandatory four-month military training even after the country's military switches to full voluntary enlistment. According to the amended rules, Taiwanese men aged 18 and older must undergo the four-month compulsory military training once the current conscription system is abolished. Should the new system fail to attract enough volunteers, the amended rules also allow the government to draft male citizens into military service. In addition, the length of the mandatory military training period is deductible for up to 30 days in accordance with the number of military preparation classes taken in college. Every eight classes taken can be used to deduct one day of the training period.
By the end of December 2011 the Ministry of National Defense (MND) was working to make the transition from the current conscription system to a volunteer system, but no date had been set for ending the enlistment of soldiers. Media reported that people born after 1995 will be required to complete only four months of military training instead of one year of compulsory military service. However, until the four-month program was launched, young men will still have to serve for one year as regular soldiers or in alternative service. Even after the volunteer system comes into force, Taiwan will keep enlisting young men for military training, so there will be no shortage of troops in the event of war
The government's ongoing push to transform its military into a fully volunteer force was launched to meet the local armed forces' needs, not just to catch up with global trends, President Ma Ying-jeou said June 27, 2013. “The main reason behind the military system change is because the service term for a compulsory service conscript has been significantly shortened over the past decade,” Ma said. The service time for a compulsory service soldier has become too short to meet the defensive needs of Taiwan's military and therefore the government has implemented the conscription system change, the president said.
As the Taiwanese government shifted to a national volunteer force, the freed-up savings and resources are being used for personnel salaries and benefits, but it is diverting funds from foreign and indigenous [weapons] acquisition programs. The program did not meet is objective, with a total of 235,000 people inducted into military service in recent years, far below the target of 270,000.
Taiwan originally planned to transition to an all-volunteer force by 2015 but delayed the date to 2017 on lower-than-expected recruitment figures. Defense Minister Yen Ming said 20 January 2014 that Taiwan was planning to cut the country's military personnel to less than 200,000 by the end of 2019 as it moved forward with streamlining. 'We plan to cut the number of troops to between 170,000 and 190,000' from the 215,000 target for the end of 2014, Yen said. Under the plan, professional soldiers would serve for four years, while other able young Taiwanese men would still have to undergo four months of military training.
President Tsai Ing-wen on 27 December 2022 announced that compulsory military service in Taiwan will be extended from four months to one year, effective 01 January 2024, a signal to Beijing and Washington that Taiwan is serious about protecting itself.
Tsai also promised to increase the monthly salary of conscripts, from the current starting salary of NT$6,510 (US$212) to NT$26,000 ($845) a month for one year. The move is aimed at making the requirement more accessible to young men, who had previously paid around NT$6,500, less than a quarter of the minimum wage.
The decision is expected to affect conscripts who were born on Jan. 1, 2005 and after. From 2024, males born after 2005 will be required to serve for one year, while those born before 2005 will still be required to serve for four months.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen personally held a press conference to report on the "Strengthening the National Defense Force Structure Adjustment Plan". This was the first time Tsai Ing-wen has held a press conference to face reporters after more than two years. "This is an extremely difficult decision, but it is inevitable for Taiwan's survival," Tsai said, speaking with other senior officials. "As long as Taiwan is strong enough, it will be the home of democracy and freedom around the world and will not become a battlefield." "No one wants war," she said, adding: "Peace doesn't come from the sky, just like (British Prime Minister) Churchill once said. Taiwan frontline of the expansion of communism and the forefront of the defense of global democracy. Only by preparing for war can we avoid war, and only by being able to fight can we stop war. Taiwan must strengthen its self-defense capabilities so that it can more effectively ensure national security and interests and strive for more International support. The more prepared we are, the less likely it is that we will be aggressive on the other side."
Tsai Ing-wen said: "The current four-month military training service system is no longer able to cope with the rapid and ever-changing combat readiness situation and the current combat readiness needs in terms of the number of soldiers and the quality of training. After two years of complete evaluation and follow-up After reviewing and considering the demand for troops in the new strategic structure, we have decided to resume one-year compulsory service from 2024, applicable to draftees born after January 1, 2005."
The change was the clearest signal in months of how serious Taipei is about the latest threats from Beijing, including the latest naval and air drills by the People's Liberation Army around Taiwan. Given that it was a sign of a major escalation, the announcement made headlines around the world. In Taiwan, conscription is mandatory for all male citizens over the age of 18, with some exceptions. Conscription is carried out by the Ministry of National Defense through the Republic of China Military Police, and it typically lasts for around 12 months. During this time, conscripts undergo military training and are assigned to various military units.
Conscription in Taiwan is seen as a way to build a strong, capable military that can defend the country against external threats. It is also seen as a way to promote national unity and patriotism, and to provide young men with the opportunity to learn valuable skills and serve their country.
There are some exceptions to conscription in Taiwan. For example, individuals who have certain medical conditions or disabilities may be exempt from conscription. Additionally, individuals who have completed higher education or have certain professional qualifications may be eligible for alternative service, such as working in a government agency or participating in a community service program.
The move to extend military service is popular in Taiwan, with 68 percent supporting it, according to a poll by Taipei's main broadcaster TVBS. This is also consistent with the call of the United States.
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper urged Taiwan to take the step during a visit in July 2022. Esper put forward four proposals for national defense reform to Taiwan, including restoring the conscription system, allowing women to serve in the army, or restoring the compulsory military service for at least one year, or for more than a year. The recommendation did not receive enthusiastic support in Taiwan, with scholars raising concerns about cost, insufficient manpower, and political unpopularity.
Public opinion on the issue is divided. Older Taiwanese men who did their military service when the conscription period was longer strongly favor extending it, while younger people are more ambivalent.
It is reported that the DPP raised Taiwan's military service period because of pressure from the United States. While the United States was exporting advanced weapons to Taiwan, it was also strongly demanding that Taiwan extend the service period of conscripts so that soldiers have enough time to learn and use American-made weapons and equipment.
However, when asked whether Taiwan's new military service system was at the request of the United States, Tsai Ing-wen clearly denied, saying: "There is no pressure from the United States." She said that she hopes to properly adjust Taiwan's combat power and force structure before the end of her term of office. She believes that through the new military service system, countries all over the world that care about Taiwan will see Taiwan's emphasis on national defense and its determination to protect its homeland.
The United States welcomed Taiwan's move. The White House said in a statement that the decision "underscores Taiwan's commitment to self-defense and enhanced deterrence." The statement said the United States "will continue to support the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and oppose any unilateral change in the status quo by any party."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin answered related questions at a regular press conference on, saying, "Working hard for 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities is less important than a feather. We believe that Taiwan compatriots understand the righteousness and will not fight for Taiwan independence." The forces of separatism serve as cannon fodder."
The announcement was made after Tsai held a round of meetings in the Presidential Office with high-level officials to discuss Taiwan's economic and national security, following months of discussion in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine's wholesale mobilization to ward off a Russian invasion has seen a once-reluctant Taiwanese public warm to the idea of a return to longer training periods for military conscripts.
From after 1949 when the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan following the Chinese Civil War to the end of the 20th century, all Taiwanese men aged 18 and over had to serve two to three years in the military as part of the country's conscription system. After 2000, conscription was gradually reduced, reaching one year in duration in 2008.
During the previous Kuomintang administration under President Ma Ying-jeou, which governed from 2008-2016, the government turned the nation's military into a mainly volunteer force, with conscripts, serving in support roles, only required to undergo four months of military training starting in 2013. During the four months, conscripts did five weeks of boot camp followed by 11 weeks of specialized training with field units.
In the early days, Taiwan's compulsory military service was 2 years, but when it was running for regional leadership in 2013, the Taiwan Kuomintang suddenly changed the 2-year military service system to 4 months in order to win votes.
From the soldier's point of view, the so-called military service of 4 months is only enough to barely complete the most basic physical fitness and military posture training, and it is still very far from being a qualified soldier. Things have gone home. This summer camp-style military service is obviously the result of partisan struggle.
Since 1979, with the easing of cross-strait relations, the total number of troops in the Taiwan region has been decreasing. By 2021, the number of Taiwan Army would be about 188,000; The number of soldiers has been severely lacking in the army for a long time. The ratio of non-commissioned officers to soldiers in the "Taiwan Army" has even reached 2:1, showing a situation of more officers and fewer soldiers.
Implementing the program could be challenging given Taiwan's lack of officers to train conscripts and lack of resources and facilities needed to expand training regimen. For example, no training is performed when the temperature exceeds 33°C. For shooting training, mattresses must be laid in advance, parasols must be set up, etc. If Taiwan just tripled the four-month training, it's just a waste of everyone's time, makes a lot of soldiers unhappy, and it won't significantly improve Taiwan's defense capabilities.
Concerning the ineffectiveness of Taiwan's military training, Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that the future compulsory service training will refer to the training methods of advanced countries such as the United States, and introduce modern training modules from various countries. Joint training with live ammunition, and even civil defense training. She said, for example, the traditional spear training will be adjusted to melee combat training, and according to the needs of the mission, the training of new weapons such as needle missiles, javelin missiles, falcon rockets, and drones will be added to meet modern combat requirements.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense plan, the one-year military enlistment training will be adjusted from the current 5 weeks to 8 weeks, adding simulated battlefield real-life anti-stress training, shooting in various postures between battles, increasing the number of live ammunition shots, and adding new battle injuries Ambulance and survival training and other courses; military training is extended to 44 weeks to increase training on new weapons, equipment and civil defense. After the training, they will have the skills to perform homeland defense and civil defense tasks.
The military stated that in addition to receiving complete training such as garrison, specialization, base and joint training, future draftees will also be assigned weapons according to the military department, and increase the shooting frequency and ammunition rounds. Taking riflemen as an example, the number of rounds of ammunition fired during troop training will not be less than 800 rounds.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense bluntly stated in a written report that after multiple Taiwan-Pengzhou defense operations promotions, computer simulations, and Hanguang exercises, the four-month military training conscripts were unable to achieve the most basic combat skills and combat power required for future defense operations. Therefore, It has become a hidden worry of mobilizing combat power in wartime and cannot effectively maintain national security.
In addition to the extension of military service, this new national defense system is more focused on the reform of Taiwan's military force structure. At the meeting, Tsai Ing-wen announced four major directions for the adjustment of the force structure. The first is volunteer service as the main combat force, the second is the standing garrison with compulsory service as the main force, the third is the civil defense system, and the fourth is the backup system.
According to the estimates of Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, 9,125 conscripted soldiers will start their one-year service in 2024, and the number of enlisted soldiers will increase year by year. By 2029, there will be 53,600 conscripted soldiers in one-year service Serve as an important member of the homeland defense force.
Tsai Ing-wen pointed out that Taiwan's national defense system is mainly composed of 210,000 volunteer soldiers and 180,000 active soldiers as the main combat force. With professional training and elite combat power, they are always on the front line of national security. As for the standing garrison troops, they will be mainly conscripts with a one-year service period, mainly responsible for homeland defense and infrastructure protection. The purpose is to solve long-standing structural problems such as unclear missions of Taiwan's reserve forces and difficulty in forming combat capabilities.
According to the plan, in the future, volunteers will form the "main battle" force, responsible for land, sea, and air security tasks; compulsory service will be the main "garrison" force, responsible for the protection of important military and civilian facilities.
The second is to refer to the US military and other international military training methods to strengthen the training of conscripted soldiers, for example: during the service period, the goal is to shoot no less than 800 rounds of live ammunition; be familiar with various weapon operations, including individual carrying anti-armor and air defense Or unmanned aerial vehicles, etc.; make the training actual combat, simulate the actual battlefield for anti-stress training, etc.
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