Taiwan is on the path of modernizing its armed forces. But behind sweeping changes to conscription laws and big-ticket equipment purchases, many smaller-scale problems are now drawing attention. One of them is materiel management.
Soldiers at a practice range aim their T91 rifles at targets, trying to hit the bullseye. But it’s a different part of the military that seems to have missed the mark — materiel management.
During an equipment inspection at the 99th Marine Brigade it became apparent that two T91 rifles had gone missing. Military authorities have ordered an investigation and further inspections in other units.
Shockingly, this was not the only such misfire in recent days.
After a training facility inspection earlier this week, another firearm has been reported missing. This time it was a Colt 1911 pistol. The gun had been secretly replaced with a replica in an alleged cover-up.
Navy training command spokesperson Liu Chih-chen (劉志貞) says that missing firearms are being thoroughly investigated and reviewed. The case will then be handed over to military police.
These two cases came as a result of inspections in just one branch of the military. But in the aftermath, many in Taiwan are asking what else might have gone missing in action.
Tomasz Koper, Rti News