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3 ARMY BRIGADE CHIEFS AXED OVER POOR TROOP COMBAT ACUMEN

ROC Central News Agency

2007-01-12 18:48:24

    Taipei, Jan. 12 (CNA) Three Army brigade commanders were relieved of their positions recently after their units failed a comprehensive combat capability assessment, Army Commanding General Gen. Hu Chen-pu said Friday.

    In the coming three months, Hu said, deputy commanders, political warfare chiefs and chiefs of staff of the three units that failed will also be replaced with a view to upgrading the combat ability and readiness of military units.

    Noting that the combat capability assessment uses objective criteria in determining military personnel promotions and transfers, Hu said the new merit-only system will help prevent favoritism within the military. "Whoever fails to lead their brigade to pass the test should step down from their leadership post, " Hu said, adding that the new evaluation strategy will contribute to the establishment of a fairer personnel system and facilitate promotion of competent and dedicated military officers.

    According to Hu, the evaluation covers two areas -- tangible and intangible combat abilities. The assessment was jointly conducted by the Army's deputy commanding general, presidents of various military academies, senior executives of test centers, and commanding officers of local military units.

    Military sources said the Army began to test and evaluate combat acumen and skills of all brigades in the later half of last year. Three of the tested brigades failed to attain the passing grade of 70 points on a zero-to-100 scale. Their commanders, all major generals, have been transferred to non-leadership posts. As two of them are in their 50s, Army sources said, they may have to retire a year later.

    In addition to the new evaluation system, the sources said, the Army has also launched many other reform initiatives since Hu assumed his current post last year. The new initiatives include strengthening location training and field support operations to hone the Army's contingency combat readiness and response capabilities.

(By Sofia Wu)

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