Army showcases creature comforts to attract volunteers
ROC Central News Agency
2014/01/13 21:33:49
Taipei, Jan. 13 (CNA) The Army on Monday introduced new initiatives implemented at its military facilities that allow soldiers to use smartphones, browse the Internet in their free time and enjoy improved accommodation, in a bid to boost lower-than-expected enlistment figures.
During a media tour at a base in the southern county of Pingtung, the Army also showed off new soldiers' quarters with air conditioning and desks. In the past, soldiers had only beds and lockers.
The 333rd Brigade at the Pingtung base is among 35 military units that have been chosen by the Army for improved life quality and additional creature comforts. The move is part of the military's efforts to attract more people to enlist as Taiwan moves toward an all-volunteer force.
A staff sergeant found drastic improvements from the quarters he had lived in previously. 'It's like 500 times cooler than before,' he said.
Sgt. Lu Shu-hao belongs to an experimental company made up entirely of enlisted soldiers in the Army's 333rd Brigade.
Meeting reporters on a base tour, Lu cited improvements in comfort, atmosphere and hygiene, which he said make the barracks 'no longer look like a cheap hotel.'
In order to increase the appeal of being part of an all-volunteer force, a goal set for 2017, the military has taken steps to improve the living conditions of servicemen and servicewomen, in addition to dishing out higher salaries.
Taking shower facilities as an example, Lu said soldiers in his company now can use separate cubicles instead of an open bath commonly seen throughout Army barracks.
To be able to relax is very important after a day of drilling and exercising, he said. Other improvements include individual bunks, desks and closets.
Perhaps more important for young people of today: the right to use smartphones.
In order to join the Army, Lu gave up his U.S. citizenship, saying it was the most important and the best decision he has made so far in his life.
Soldier Cheng Kai-yang also gave a thumbs-up for the improvements at the base, particularly new initiatives that include allowing military personnel to live off-base and eat outside during workdays.
Being able to use smartphones at the base also allows them to stay connected with the rest of the world, Cheng said.
'I believe this will attract more young people to enlist,' he added.
According to the Army, 80 percent of the military personnel at the selected 35 units have expressed satisfaction with the improved daily facilities and new measures.
The Army began implementing the initiatives last October and over the past three months, 10 percent of young men who are required to undergo four months of military training as part of the military's plan to shift to an all-volunteer force, agreed to enlist.
The Army said it is planning to implement the new initiatives at more of its military units.
In the 35 units, those who have volunteered to sign up for a longer military service increased from 45.3 percent to 56.1 percent, according to the military.
Taiwan originally planned the transition for 2015, but pushed the date back due to lower-than-expected recruitment.
Meanwhile, the Army also demonstrated its defense capabilities at the Pingtung base Monday to highlight the military's efforts to stay alert and strengthen combat readiness ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year break that starts Jan. 30.
(By Claudia Liu, Jay Chen and Elaine Hou)
ENDITEM/J/sc
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
