ROC male citizens born after Jan. 1, 1994, will no longer perform compulsory military service, instead undergoing four-month basic training when they reach conscription age, According to the Ministry of National Defense Dec. 30, 2011.
“This initiative is part of the government’s plan to move the ROC armed forces toward an all-volunteer military,” MND Deputy Minister Chao Shih-chang said.
“It comes in accordance with amendments to the Military Service Act, which were passed by the Legislature Dec. 13 and approved by ROC President Ma Ying-jeou Dec. 25,” he added.
According to Chao, the scheme will commence from 2013 when the number of enlisted conscripts is expected to exceed ROC armed forces personnel requirements. It also permits college students to split training into two-month blocs during freshman and sophomore summer vacations or after graduation.
Minister of the Interior Jiang Yi-huah said those born before 1994 yet to begin compulsory service before the scheme takes effect will be required to perform alternative duties for one year in a non-military capacity.
“During this time of transition, alternative service plays an important role in maintaining a fair system and stable armed forces,” Jiang said.
The Ministry of the Interior pegs the number of draft-eligible men between 2013 and 2015 at around 50,000 to 60,000.
Under the ROC government’s “lean and mean” military policy, the country’s armed forces will be downsized from 275,000 personnel to around 200,000 by 2014.
Write to Rachel Chan at rachelchan@mail.gio.gov.tw