TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed Monday (Dec .11) that only five students have applied for the flexible "3+1 program" that allows for three years of university study followed by one year of military service, in compliance with the one-year conscription term.
Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng attended a specialized report yesterday at the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee, ready to answer inquiries about the military service system.
Initially, a survey by the Ministry of Education (MOE) suggested that 46 individuals were interested in applying for the "3+1 program."
However, the low application numbers provoked skepticism from Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Chen I-hsin, who questioned the program's convoluted administrative process and unequal gender regulations, wondering why only male students could complete their university studies in three years.
The MOE implemented the "3+1 program" guidelines in June this year and held explanatory meetings for universities in July, allowing schools to complete necessary adjustments to their rules and regulations before the new semester started in September.
Chiu stated that the MND has resolved that the one-year military service must be completed in one go.
He further emphasized that comprehensive planning is underway for the training aspect of the conscription system, indicating a move to increase efficiency and perhaps address some of the concerns raised about the program's administration and accessibility.