ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said June 9 that he has the utmost confidence in the ability of the nation’s military personnel to safeguard Taiwan and protect the people.
“Our soldiers are ready, willing and able to fight, with special forces units leading the way,” Ma said. “An army contingent, for instance, contested the 2010 International Sniper Competition in the U.S. state of Georgia, winning second spot in the 8-kilometer night run.”
The team also finished fourth in the large-bore weapons firing competition, he said, adding that the performance confirms the first-rate physical strength and combat readiness of the nation’s military personnel.
Ma made the remarks at the Taipei City premiere of “Taiwan’s Military Elite,” a film produced by Discovery Channel in conjunction with the Ministry of National Defense.
Discovery Channel has 390 million viewers worldwide, with those in Asia-Pacific accounting for more than 180 million, Ma said. This is the first time that little-seen ROC army frogmen, rangers and underwater operations troops have had the media spotlight turned on their elite training and operational capabilities, he added.
“This welcome exposure is a boon for the reputation of the ROC fighting forces and the nation’s international image.”
According to the MND, the film comprises three episodes titled “Army Frogmen,” “Underwater Operation Unit” and “Army Rangers.” They will be premiered respectively at 9:00 p.m. June 11, 18 and 25. (KML-JSM)
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