TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Amid escalating cross-strait tensions, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has initiated efforts to bolster its military capabilities by revitalizing the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) military academy.
Students enrolled in the ROTC program receive full government subsidies and military training on weekends. Upon graduation, they are obligated to serve in the Taiwanese army for a five-year term.
Yang Yao-hsiang, a newly enrolled ROTC student, expressed his long-standing aspiration to serve in the military, stating, "Since I was little, I have aspired to join the military to protect our country. As you will have many duties in the military, the five years will pass by in the blink of an eye."
The MND has inked agreements with 129 schools and 11 education centers, targeting youth aged between 18 and 26 for recruitment.
Notably, the Nanya Institute of Technology in Taoyuan City is the nation's sole university to establish the ROTC Professional College. This unique college offers general academic courses from Monday to Thursday, reserving Fridays for military education, thus allowing students to enjoy weekends free from military commitments.
Chen Chun-yu, a third-year ROTC student, highlighted the opportunity for cadets to undergo training at the Liyang Base during summer break. "The training activities encompass rock climbing, close-quarters battle (CQB), and advanced shooting," he elaborated.
Adapted from the United States, the ROTC program was introduced to Taiwan in 1997 but faced suspension within a decade due to limited effectiveness.
However, Taiwan has revived the ROTC program in response to the pressing need for more military personnel, bolstered by the increasing willingness of educational institutions to invest substantial resources.
Retired Major General Kuo Li-sheng explained, "In the U.S., West Point graduates about 1,000 second lieutenants each year. However, the U.S. Army requires nearly 5,000 to 6,000 annually. Therefore, the development of ROTC can fulfill the need to recruit more military officers."
As a Legislative Yuan report reveals a five-year low in voluntary military service personnel, with only 155,218 in June 2023, the ROTC program may encourage younger generations to voluntarily serve their country.