The defense ministry says that Taiwan is moving ahead with plans to transition to an all-voluntary military service. The remarks came in response to reports that the military would not be able to carry out its plans.
Defense official Chen Tseng-chi said that the military is now using both conscripts and volunteers. He said it’s a transitional period as it moves toward an all-volunteer service.
"Our implementation of an all-voluntary service system has been postponed from 2012 to 2014, and now another two years to December 31, 2016," said Chen. "But we also need to take into consideration national security, disaster rescue efforts, and other defense needs. We will ask each of the different forces to calculate [the manpower needed]. If there is still a need for more personnel in December 31, 2016, we will call on those born before 1993 who are eligible for military conscription to fill that gap."
Chen said one of the reasons the new system has been postponed is that the period of mandatory service is shorter than in the past. That leaves many soldiers at only basic levels of training. But he said recruitment has gone better than expected due to recent reforms that have improved the treatment and working environment for those in the military.
The ministry said men born in 1993 or earlier are required to do one year of military service. Those born after 1993 only need to complete four months of military training.