Mandatory service key to bolstering the militaryBy Yao Chung-yuan 姚中原The Ministry of National Defense has reached an initial consensus on the extension of mandatory military service, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) told legislators on Sept. 27, calling the extension a major issue. The possible defense policy U-turn deserves public attention and support, because extending military service meets not only the nation’s needs amid the current cross-strait situation, but also the expectations of the international community. That period is shorter than in Israel and South Korea — countries that are facing formidable enemies and thus have more than a year of compulsory military service. Taiwan should adopt an “all-out defense” strategy, extend mandatory military service to at least one year and extend conscription to women, Esper said. In the face of the heightened and normalized military threats from the CCP, Taiwan’s military service system must be adjusted to become more flexible.
