TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In Taiwan, recruitment issues have plagued the military for some time. The recent incursions of Chinese aircraft into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) have only underscored the urgent need for more personnel, especially pilots.
The low recruitment rates are largely attributed to the general public's negative perception of the military, dampening young adults' enthusiasm for joining the military as a career choice.
A former R.O.C. (Taiwan) air force general, Peng Chin-ming, remarked, "When we compare our treatment of the military and veterans to that of countries in Europe or the U.S., it becomes evident that our respect for them is lacking."
Despite this, Taiwan's military boasts the highest training standards and continues to demonstrate unwavering dedication to ensuring the nation's safety.
However, the public must recognize and credit their hard work.
Dr. Chris Liao, an assistant professor at National Taiwan University and expert on security governance, suggests following the example of the U.S. military in this regard.
"To begin with, the U.S. military has a notable level of external transparency, regularly providing explanations about its operations to the public, which serves as an example for others to follow," he said.
He pointed out another factor is the emphasis the U.S. military places on public relations (PR).
"Our country's defense and national security departments should emphasize these aspects and take proactive measures to inform the public about our efforts from the outset," Liao said.
As geopolitical threats loom large, the Taiwanese government must communicate more with the public to showcase the military's efforts.
Ultimately, improving the military's public image and correcting misconceptions in people's minds is the key to resolving recruitment issues and ensuring the strength and safety of Taiwan's military.