TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited Chenggong Ling (成功嶺) military training camp in Taichung on Friday (June 28). He reminisced about his time as a soldier and his training results from that period were revealed for the first time.
A Blast from the Past
President Lai reminisced about his new soldier training at Chenggong Ling from July 13 to August 13, 1980, noting that the dormitories are much better now compared to the past when soldiers had to sleep on the floor.
"We showered together in a pool of water, while following the squad leader's orders to use three buckets of water per person," Lai recalled.
President Lai emphasized the significant improvements at Chenggong Ling since his time and pledged continued enhancement of facilities. He stressed the importance of new recruits benefiting fully from their training.
During a Ministry of National Defense (MND) briefing, President Lai expressed concern over new soldiers adapting to rigorous drills and hot weather, while affirming the training results.
Lai emphasized the role of their training in defending Taiwan's achievements, ensuring security, and advancing democratic freedoms and the economy. He highlighted the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait as crucial to global security and prosperity, stating that Taiwan opposes any attempt to alter its status quo by force.
Regarding military training as crucial for transitioning to soldiers, Lai expressed confidence in the recruits' ability to acquire practical combat skills by the end of their eight-week training, prepared to defend the nation and its people.