The lieutenant colonel who brought civilians to an army helicopter base without approval has been given two major demerits. That’s the word from Defense Ministry spokesman David Lo on Tuesday.
The lieutenant colonel in question, Lao Nai-cheng, is under investigation for violating Taiwan’s national intelligence laws and other related codes. In late March, Lao brought 26 civilians on an unauthorized tour of an army base where Apache attack helicopters are housed.
Lao has been removed from his post and could face up to 15 years in prison. Since he was given two major demerits in one year, he is now on the list of soldiers who will be kicked out of the military.
Meanwhile, an army general was also found to have given his friends a tour of the military base in mid-February. He was given three minor demerits and has also been removed from his post.
On Tuesday, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said these isolated cases underline the need for a “structural” review of the military.