Weak Military Training Leaves Taiwanese Draftees Unprepared for War

Taiwan’s national defense is in a weak state because of its inefficient military training program for conscripted soldiers.

The News Lens
Date: 2019/08/16
By: Andrew Maxey and Allen Chen

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) faced scrutiny in February when he claimed Taiwan’s mandatory military draft, or conscription, is “a waste of time” for many young men. He said the Taiwanese army, if faced with cross-strait clashes, would not sustain even two days of war.

Denying Ko’s criticism, Defense Minister Yen Teh-fa (嚴德發) said Taiwan’s conscription equips draftees with various skillsets ranging from aeronautics to cybersecurity. The reality, unfortunately, is much closer to what Ko had proposed.

“For sure nobody will have the balls to fight if a war breaks out,’’ a private surnamed Cho, whose first name is omitted for anonymity, told The News Lens.

Serving in the military is not a popular career option in Taiwan as many young people see conscription as stripping away their personal liberty in a democratic society. Military wages are also too low for the university-educated to willingly serve in the army with boring routines like scrubbing toilets or sweeping floors.    [FULL  STORY]