MNA

(Reporter Chen Jiun-jiun of Military News Agency, Taoyuan, 29th) The Special Force 5th Battalion (SF5B) of the Armed Forces continued to carry out tactical mission training today, which is conducted in view of "anti-special attack operations." The purpose is to train servicemen to resist pressure on the battlefield, adapt to combat scenarios, and improve their mutual understanding and experience in small units. After the instructor explained the principles in the morning, the SF5B was divided into the fire support group, the assault group, and the warning and cover group according to formation. After the situation was issued, the warning and cover group first occupied the position, conducted reconnaissance of the target area, and then covered the fire support group to carry out occupation over the fire support zone, so that the assault team could successfully charge into the target area and complete the mission. Although the tactical mission training gradually came to an end, the willpower and physical strength of the servicemen was remained in high fighting spirits, showing the results of their solid training.

(Reporter Hsieh Hung-kuai of Military News Agency, Matsu, 25th) Today, the Beigao garrison brigade of the Matsu Defense Command (MDC) combined the "Combat Plan Exercise for the First Quarter" to perform the Yuantai exercise on the beach at Tanghou. The exercise was so conducted in simulation of enemy forces charging in from the air, while ground forces carried out protective shooting at the targets to test whether servicemen could operate their combat capability well in an environment with poor visibility and still achieve combat missions. During the exercise, once the combat readiness unit received orders, it immediately maneuvered to the tactical position and worked in collaboration with the infantry, mixed artillery, and other companies at positions to organize weaponry and fire shooting at unidentified aircraft in the air. Furthermore, the sky above Beigan was all lit up in an instant as various kinds of weapons jointly performed shelling alongside one another with far-stretching and illuminating trajectory, which showed the consistently superb combat skills and flaming fighting spirit of Taiwan’s front-line servicemen. In addition to verifying regular operations with various weapons by servicemen, this exercise also focused on the degree of close cooperation among each and every one of the units during the combat mission. Once the servicemen received orders, they operated all kinds of weapons with stability and resorted to anti-aircraft barrage to show their experienced combat skills, as well as a high degree of mutual understanding. Most of all, the will-power and determination of Qingtian troops to defend the northern border was well demonstrated. Lieutenant General Liao, commander of the MDC, said that it had, through live-fire shooting during the Yuantai exercise, enabled the locals not only to experience the combat accomplishments of diligent training by units during regular time, but also allowed them to realize the firm determination and strength of Armed Forces to defend the homeland at close range. With such an exercise, the Armed Forces have implemented concrete actions to strengthen the consensus and effectiveness of national defense.

(Reporter Chou Sheng-wei of Military News Agency, Penghu, 16th)The first combat zone of the Armed Forces carried out the "Cheng Jiang Exercise" at dawn today. During the process, various types of artillery were fired in sequence, and all of the fireworks properly demonstrate the results of servicemen’s solid training in the defense area, thus achieving the goals of training for combat, as well as oneness of combat and training. The first combat zone indicated that the exercise was furnished based on "combat as background, training as focus." First, the artillery should implement “positions change, unceasing fire powering” of shore firing against landing vessels, with armored vehicles based on a “dynamic against static” profile and “momentary stoppage of shooting” measures as they resorted to shore and beaching annihilation by firing power using various machine guns and sniper rifles to perform protective shooting and accurate sniping on the battlefield, respectively. Such exercises help troops on battlefields to verify command and control, services coordination, and situational response capabilities, all of which can effectively enhance the combat strength of troops. Commander Lieutenant General Liu pointed out that the Armed Forces shoulder the heavy responsibility of defending the front line as it confronts threats from the enemy. To achieve the requirements of “setting out for combat at once” and “everywhere is a battlefield, every moment is training,”, training is designed to be harder and more difficult so that servicemen can be familiar with the combat environment and combat plans, as they are tested with results of their every-day diligent training and improvement at all times. As a result, the entirety of servicemen from the first combat zone can demonstrate the will-power and determination as “all share the same destiny, and yield not an inch of ground behind” to resist the enemy and protect the homeland.

(Reporter Ko Peng-hsin of Military News Agency, Taoyuan, 10th) The “new 14-day call-up of educational training” for the 206th Infantry Brigade of the 6th Army reached the 6th day today. As recruits had respectively completed the 5-kilometer and 7-kilomter marching training for two consecutive days, they next entered the 10-kikomter marching training. During the marching process, the Command combined situations between battles, while the company commander delivered drill orders to strengthen the ability of cadres and recruits to deal with emergencies and contingent situations. The 6th Army stated that the marching training for three consecutive days will gradually strengthen the physical fitness of recruits in a step-by-step manner so that they can develop the combat power needed to defend the territory. During the marching process, situational drills were also adopted to improve recruits’ perception towards the enemy as well as their contingent situation capabilities. Furthermore, we can observe the support of Dingshe Elementary School for the Armed Forces during the march, as students waved national flags to cheer for the cadres and recruits.

(Reporter Huang Shao-en of Military News Agency, Taipei, 2nd) The war between Russia and Ukraine has not eased, while CCP aircraft continue to invade and harass our airspace. Due to the international security situation and the development of the enemy situation, the Ministry of National Defense has (MND) been closely monitoring and should respond prudently to the situation. Today, the MDN again released the “Rally in Unity to Firmly Defend the Homeland” video, which has not only stressed the physical improvement of combat power with our Armed Forces, but has also demonstrated its firm determination and strength for self-defense. It is thus hoped that everyone will unite together to strengthen that spiritual force as well as consolidate our psychological defense. Only by being self-reliant and standing on our own feet first can we deter the enemy from attacking us and start the war lightly. The "Rally in Unity to Defend the Homeland" video emphasizes that it is the sole responsibility of the Armed Forces to protect the family and hometown. Furthermore, it is the bound duty of the Armed Forces to defend the survival and development of the Republic of China and protect the safety and well-being of its nationals. The MND stated that the Armed Forces are striving for armament preparations and training as they work to improve armaments and national defense for combat capabilities at all times. These efforts are not just designed to stop war, but also to declare to the world that we are not provocative, for we love democracy and freedom as we are an important and friendly force for upholding regional peace and stability. The Armed Forces have continued to build up national defense and speed up the pace of indigenous national defense. Any training of combat readiness aims to strengthen the defense force, better the Armed Forces, improve combat power, and prepare for war in order to maintain democracy and freedom. On the other hand, the strength of solidarity is immense, whereas the upholding of invisible combat power is even more critical. As for the psychological level, there can be no ground for us to relax, and we must be steadfast with our mindset. The MND pointed out that historical experiences have already shown us that we cannot count on the good will of the enemy for peace, as national security is only possible when built on our own strength. "One defending one’s own country" means that the solid capability of national defense requires not only sophisticated weapons and equipment but also an unshakable and high will for defense. As long as we are united in oneness, we can achieve the goals of national defense to sustain regional peace and the security of Taiwan Strait.

(Reporter Hsieh Hung-kuai of Military News Agency, Taipei, 28th) As we enter the new year of 2022, the 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing of ROCAF will put on the special painting on Mirage 2000 jet-fighter tail-numbered "2022," and similar patterns will be painted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of aircraft receipt. Such patterns should symbolize that these Mirage jet-fighters will repeatedly and enduringly perform various warfare and training missions throughout the year, while the wing shall inherit this spirit to guard over Taiwan airspace in 2022. 　The 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing of ROCAF is primarily made up of Mirage jet-fighters. Geographically, Hsinchu Air Force in Hsinchu is the closest airport to mainland China on the island of Taiwan, so it has thus served as the strong-post at the first line in defending the security of airspace over the Taiwan Strait. In recent years, Air Force officers and soldiers have carried out close all-weather control for monitoring so that it can respond to various emergencies in view of the frequent intrusions of our airspace by CCP aircraft. To handle unexpected situations, the Air Force must count on Mirage 2000 jet-fighters and various other types of aircraft to protect the airspace, defend national sovereignty and the safety of our nationals, and assume the major responsibility for air defense across the Taiwan Strait. 　Captain Lai Chuan-hsien, a flight officer of the 42nd Combat Team of the 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing of the Air Force, said he usually maintains a distance of more than 30 nautical miles from the target during training. Nevertheless, the distance from CCP aircraft may only be 8 to 10 nautical miles when carrying out the task to drive away these hostile aircraft in response to different situations, and such distance can be most challenging for pilots and their capabilities to adapt to emergencies. 　Captain Lai also emphasized that whenever he is confronted with a CCP aircraft, he strongly feels the importance of his work as he defends the country. For him, it is not only a responsibility, but also an aspiration for himself. With the arrival of the Chinese New Year, Captain Lai looks forward to holding fast to his post in the Air Force in order to protect the country and airspace security. Doing so ensures that our nationals can sleep at ease and get together with their families safely to celebrate the Chinese New Year at ease. 　Sergeant Fang Chih-hsien, who serves in the 41st Combat Team, has been in charge of aircraft maintenance operations for nearly ten years. In light of frequent intrusions from CCP aircraft, as well as the increased flight tasks, the loading of ground crews has become most tight, and sergeant Fang noted that the ground crew will assist pilots day or night to complete take-off immediately upon receiving orders, considering it their responsibility and call of duty. 　Master sergeant Fang pointed out that whenever he sees the heroic appearance of fighter planes soaring in the sky and hears their engines roaring, even though the same scene has been going on for ten years, he still feels his blood surge every now and then. Master Chief Fang also hopes that the "2022" fighter aircraft he is responsible for maintaining and repairing will continue to protect and safeguard the national security and defend Taiwan airspace in the new year.

(Reporter Chou Sheng-wei of Military News Agency, Taipei, 17th) In coping with the recent increase of domestic epidemic, the 33rd Chemical Warfare Group of the Army dispatched officers and soldiers to Taipei Main Station today to carry out environmental disinfection work at the transportation hubs at Taipei Main Station, as well as MRT stations and places with significant crowds. The chemical warfare servicemen adopt practical actions to prevent the spread of viruses and protect the health and safety of our nationals. 　Nearly 40 officers and soldiers from the 33rd Chemical Warfare Group assembled at Taoyuan Airport MRT of Taipei Main Station at 9:00 a.m. After mutual inspection and tasks assignment, the chemical soldiers were divided into two groups to carry out environmental disinfection work. As every two servicemen were teamed up, they then conducted sterilization works at Taipei Main Station, Taipei Bus Station, Taoyuan Airport MRT of Taipei Main Station, and other locations as they made use of aerosol sterilizers to disinfect plane walkways, stairs, and escalators. Chen Chien-liang of the Department of Environment Protection of the Taipei City Government said its epidemic prevention and disinfection team will, from today until the Chinese New Year holidays, persistently work with the 33rd Chemical Warfare Group to target all important transportation hubs, epidemic prevention hotels, MRT stations, and night markets, as well as business areas of Taipei City, to carry out strengthened environmental spraying around public areas to ensure the safety and health of the public. Meanwhile, the City Government also calls upon the public to work with the epidemic prevention and control of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) and properly perform such personal protection tasks as wearing masks, frequently washing hands, and maintaining a safe distance, thus contributing to epidemic prevention work.

(Reporter Hsieh Hung-kuai of Military News Agency, Keelung, 7th) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) invited media reporters to Keelung Naval Base today to demonstrate actual situations of war preparations by the Navy during Chinese New Year. During the course, the Navy arranged for Ta Jiang-class and Tuo Jiang-class corvettes to conduct maritime exercises and publicly displayed OTO Melara 76mm, Hsiung Feng II Anti-ship missiles, and TC-2N air defense missiles to demonstrate our air defense and sea combat capabilities. From these drills, our nationals were able to witness the results our officers and soldiers’ diligent training, as well as the determination and capability of the Armed Forces to defend the sea and our borders. 　In this strengthened combat readiness exercises for Chinese New Year, the focus was placed on the performance of such emerging forces as Tuo Jiang-class corvettes and fast minelayers, and the drills were shown through both static visits and dynamic exercises, including vessel visits, high-speed sailing, sea split-mode, and others. Among them, Tuo Jiang-class and Ta Jiang-class corvettes sketched out two circular waves on the sea in a high-speed rotation mode, showing our nationals the excellent performance of indigenous-made vessels, as well as the results of naval servicemen as they make great efforts in their dedication to combat readiness training and solid combat power. 　The Naval Command stated that establishing a national defense force is never an easy task and cannot be done overnight, and it should always involve the concern and support of our nationals. Furthermore, in response to the threat of the enemy and the international situation, all naval officers and soldiers must, in coping with threats from enemy and international situations, adhere to the military style of sacrifice, dedication, and solidarity as they persistently strive to prepare for the tasks of war. As such, the Navy can promote the construction of a new generation of military forces, establish a solid naval force, and consolidate national defense forces to ensure national security and sustainable development.

(Reporter Chen Jiun-jiun of Military News Agency, Taipei, 1st) The New Year’s Day flag-raising ceremony of the Republic of China for 2022 was held at the Presidential Office, with the theme "Resilient Taiwan, World As One." The event was presided over by President Tsai in person. The entire audience of both military and civilian individuals, led by representatives of medical staff, sang the national anthem as they expressed love for the country with practical actions. The national flag was slowly raised at the same time as all celebrated the arrival of 2022 in the Republic of China. Chiu Kuo-cheng, the Defense Minister, led General Chen, the Chief of Joint Staff, Po Horng-Huei Alex, Deputy Minister of Military Affairs, General Wang, Deputy Minister of Armament, and representatives from the joint staff units, as well as student representatives from the Military, Naval, and Air Force Academy, Fu Hsing Kang College, NDU, Management School, Chung Cheng Institute of Technology, National Defense Medical Center, Army Academy, Air Force Institute of Technology, and Chung Cheng Armed Forces Preparatory School, and others, for a total of 500 members, in participating in the flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Office on New Year's Day. At the New Year's Day Flag-Raising Ceremony in front of the Presidential Palace, medical representatives were arranged to sing the national anthem to express thanks to the Armed Forces and medical staff throughout the country for their hard work in epidemic prevention and homeland defense, singing alongside the Ministry of Defense Symphony Orchestra and Honor Guard of the Republic of China. Students from 10 military academies also took part in the flag-raising ceremony, which is especially meaningful.

(Reporter Lin Tse-ting of Military News Agency, Tainan, 21th)To strengthen our troops’ combat readiness capability, Army 43 AAA Headquarters conducted combat readiness and recon patrol training early this morning, during which it practiced tactical maneuvers like position occupation, etc., so that officers and soldiers could become familiar with real battlefield situations and improve their adaptability. At dawn before day break, officers and soldiers of Army 43 AAA Headquarters dispatched M110 self-propelled guns, 3.5-ton trucks, Hummers, etc. to carry out the communication test and pre-driving inspection. As vehicles set off from the camp and quickly maneuvered to the tactical positions, they immediately took up positions upon arrival and rehearsed to complete the combat preparations. Captain Tseng, the company commander, said that the troops have always adhered to the concept of "battlefields everywhere, training at all times." Through combat readiness and recon patrol training, these drills have helped cadres to develop their commanding ability. Furthermore, the servicemen can also familiarize themselves with the maneuver routes as they make full use of the battlefield environment, thus helping to strengthen the troops’ capability to confront combat situations.