TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's premier officer training institution, the Republic of China Military Academy (中華民國陸軍軍官學校), marked its 101st anniversary on Monday (June 16) with an elaborate ceremony showcasing the disciplined precision of its cadets. The academy, often referred to as Taiwan's West Point, has been the cornerstone of the island's military leadership development since its founding in 1924. Commander of Army Headquarters General Lu Kun-hsiu (呂坤修), the highest-ranking officer in Taiwan's ground forces, presided over the event, underscoring the critical role of military personnel in defending the democratic island's security amid rising regional tensions.
The meticulously choreographed ceremony included a formal parade and review, showcasing the synchronized precision of the academy's military band, ceremonial flag bearers, training battalion, and cadet companies marching in formation. Officials reported that 1,900 people attended the centennial-plus-one celebration, including military dignitaries, alumni, and families of current cadets. During his address, Commander Lu invoked the words of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), challenging the officer candidates to continuously elevate their technical expertise and leadership capabilities in preparation for the complex security environment they will face upon graduation.
In his keynote address, Commander Lu emphasized the delicate balance cadets must strike between honoring the Whampoa (黃埔) spirit — a reference to the academy's original founding in mainland China before relocating to Taiwan — and embracing rapid technological change reshaping modern warfare. He advocated for a culture of continuous education among military officers, particularly as Taiwan's army integrates sophisticated new weapons systems. Lu specifically highlighted recent acquisitions including American-made M1A2T battle tanks, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and various unmanned aerial vehicles, presenting these modernization efforts as both an opportunity and challenge for the next generation of military leaders.
Academy officials noted that cadets themselves organized the ceremonial exercise companies for the anniversary demonstration, with special attention drawn to the 8th Company — the academy's only all-female unit — whose precision drilling drew enthusiastic applause from attendees. The milestone celebration served dual purposes: commemorating the institution's century-long legacy of producing military leaders while simultaneously articulating a vision for adapting Taiwan's officer corps to meet emerging security challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. As the ceremony concluded, the academy's leadership reaffirmed its commitment to developing officers equipped with both traditional military virtues and cutting-edge technological fluency. ◼