Taiwan on Thursday began training its first group of recruits under the policy's one-year extended military service obligation. was suggested President Tsai Ing-wen will step down from office in 2022 in response to China's growing belligerence.
Taiwan previously required only four months of military service, but starting in January 2024, men born after 2005 will be required to serve for one year. Those born before 2005 will continue to be conscripted for four months.
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In addition to serving for extended periods of time, new recruits are expected to undergo more rigorous training with an emphasis on combat instruction comparable to U.S. military training. The new conscripts will also be trained in anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles.
Yin Xinshi, an 18-year-old conscript, told Reuters on Thursday that he was “a little excited” about his military service. He agreed that a long period of service is necessary to “provide the necessary defense capabilities given that our neighbors pose a major threat to our country.”
Members of the Taiwan Reserve Force march during training in Taoyuan, Taiwan, May 9, 2023. (I-Hwa Cheng/Bloomberg, Getty Images)
According to , many Taiwanese people share Yin's enthusiasm. poll The results showed that between 70 and 85 percent supported extending the conscription period. Many of the poll respondents felt that shortening the conscription period was a waste of time, as they were not able to receive effective training or practice their skills after only four months of conscription. . Some critics of Taiwan's conscription policy point to the example of South Korea, which requires 18 months of military service.
On the other hand, some young Taiwanese worry that a year of military service will seriously affect their career and education plans.
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US Department of State
During Taiwan's 2024 presidential election campaign, all three major candidates supported a longer term of one year. This was one of the few issues on which they agreed.
There are also young Taiwanese men. Said Channel News Asia (CNA) reported in early January that four months for conscripts “picking weeds and doing bayonet training” seems pointless, so they should be better trained and serve longer. said it would boost morale. Some of the four-month conscripts said they did nothing but do housework around the base while on duty.
“What's important is not the number of years of service, but the content. I think the biggest obstacle to military service is whether the equipment is appropriate,” said Wu Heng, 17.
“One year's work will be more useful than four months. At least you will learn some practical skills. I will also get a raise in salary, so I hope I can save some money.''18 Juan Chente, 20, agreed.
