Taiwan's volunteer army will receive a more comprehensive recruit training next year. That was the word from the Defense Ministry on Tuesday, regarding the initial instruction for new military personnel.
The public has criticized the volunteer army for its training program's lack of rigor. The recruit training period will now increase from five to eight weeks. The basic combat curriculum will also expand to include outdoor survival, first aid, pressure management, and other tactical skills development.
The ministry says these changes are due to Taiwan's current military needs. It adds that specialized training will also intensify based on the nature of the military unit.
Meanwhile, the military conscripts' initial training period will remain the same. But Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) says the conscription plan changes are in its final stages and will be announced when finalized.