MNA

(Reporter Chou Sheng-wei of Military News Agency, New Taipei, 14th) The "All-out Defense Mobilization and Disaster Prevention and Rescue in New Taipei City for the Year 2022” (Min'an No. 8 Exercise) drill went underway at the re-zoning area of Shanzizhen and Taishan MRT Park this afternoon. The exercise was chaired by Hou Yu-ih, the New Taipei City Mayor. The drill mobilized units from both public and private sectors, and included more than 1,800 people, 200 vehicles, 20 drones and four helicopters. The goal of the drill was to increase disaster prevention awareness in everyday life and protect the life and property of people. 　During the military drill, 24 emergency situations were released, including natural disaster rescue, wartime disaster rescue, mass evacuation of people, rescue due to an air accident, civilian and material resources mobilization, and shelter of victims. Throughout the process, colleagues and civil defense units worked together with the military, police, fire department, and medical and nursing staff to effectively verify the capabilities of New Taipei City search and rescue and wartime disaster rescue missions. 　Throughout the exercise, the New Taipei Military Police (MP), reserve cadres of New Taipei City Reserve Command, the Song Her Association of New Taipei City Reserve MP and other units worked together with exercise subjects and committed to the tasks at hand, including assisting the police in subduing terrorist attackers, and cooperating with environmental restoration and disaster relief. During the process, all units exercised the powers within their unit to maintain the normal operation of society and people's livelihood. 　In his speech, Mayor Hou thanked all the participants for their effort in the drill. The drills were conducted in high temperatures, yet the mobilization capabilities and tacit understanding among inter-ministerial authorities were smooth and strong. Mayor Hou emphasized that the drill has strengthen the local government's response to emergencies and prepared everyone further to handle international wars and combine cross-boundary resources from the public and private sectors to ensure manpower and equipment mobilization processes are effective to safeguard the safety of people and property.

(Reporter Chen Jiun-jiun of Military News Agency, Taitung, 6th) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) held a media invitation to the "Zhi-Hang Air Base – Cradle of Fighter Pilots" drill this morning. As the media had already seen the static and dynamic display of Brave Eagle, the advanced trainer jet, and the F5 fighter aircraft, they would appreciate the combat strengthen of the ROC Air Force and the efforts of the 7th Flight Training Wing of the Air Force's air defense capabilities. 　According to Air Force Command, its 7th Flight Training Wing usually conducts basic, resident, joint operations, and combat readiness mission training in accordance with the troop training plan. It also supports the F-5E/F fighter re-fit training for graduates of the flight combat team from the Air Force Academy, and the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology Sciences (NCHIST) and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) in carrying out various new weapons and equipment research and development, testing and other tasks. In wartime, it implements various combat missions, such as joint air defense, joint interception, united homeland defense operations, and other missions. It is also responsible for supporting western bases with various logistical and combat preparations after troop evacuation. 　Air Force Command has emphasized that the dynamic display of the Brave Eagle advanced trainer jet in the air is a mission that the Air Force is currently working on. To enable indigenous-made aircraft and independent national defense to attain excellent results, the Air Force has adopted the task of testing advanced trainer jets, aircraft pick-ups, and replacement (expansion) training. In the future, the Force will continue to improve training personnel, use simulators to familiarize personnel with weapons and equipment operations, and implement training effectiveness and safety.

(Reporter Huang Shao-en of Military News Agency, Pingtung, 26th) To implement and verify the combat readiness of the Armed Forces, the "Missile Shooting Training – 2022 Shengong Drill" was recently launched at Jiupeng area, Manzhou Township, Pingtung, to put into practice an combat scenario. During the drill, the Twin-mounted Stinger Missile System and Avengers Missile Vehicle performed field air defense missions as dictated by the situation. Throughout the exercise, aerial target bombs and target drones simulated an incoming enemy aircraft, and live ammunition and real-distance shooting were executed to demonstrate precise strike firepower. 　The Command unit leading the drill this year was the 4th Combat Zone, while artillery training troops and various exercise units were also engaged. The focus of the drill was on servicemen of the Army and Marine Corps participating in the exercise from local and outlying islands to verify the effectiveness of troop training at the station and base. During the exercise, officers and soldiers defied the scorching sun as they tracked down the target within a few seconds, pressed the launch button, and successfully shot it down. All of these actions demonstrated the professional skills and excellent tacit understanding of the troops involved. 　The drill command stated that the Armed Forces are shouldered with the duty of defending the country and people, and its core task is combat readiness and training remains unchanged. In the future, the Armed Forces will continue to adhere to the idea that training is a continuous process and they should strive to improve capabilities with "strictness, difficulty, and reality" to defend the country and protect the safety of people with practical action. 　Once the drill was completed, drill Command expressed its deepest gratitude to the locals of Hengchun, Manzhou, and Mudan areas in Pingtung who supported the Armed Forces in this exercise. Thanks to the long-term assistance and cooperation of the local community, the Armed Forces can successfully complete combat training and drills, demonstrating the unity between the military and civilians as they both work together to defend the homeland.

(Reporter Chen Jiun-jiun of Military News Agency, Taipei, 20th) President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a video-recorded speech at the Graduation Ceremony of Six Military Academies from Three Forces this morning. She anticipates that graduates of the six military academies from three services will continue to study, improve themselves, never forget their original goal, and rise to the challenge without fear. After the graduates are admitted as troops, they can apply what they have learned, realize their full professional potential, and continue to improve the combat effectiveness of the national army. 　As President Tsai delivered her speech, she first wished all graduates a warm congratulations. She noted that all of the graduates have successfully completed their studies after passing many tests. Next, they will be decorated with military rank and become military officers, shouldering the big responsibility of defending the country and protecting the people.　 　In the video, President Tsai outlined the two expectations of all graduates; first, she hopes that they continue studying to improve themselves. With the development of national defense science and technology, warfare is also constantly changing, and the President firmly believes that troops should continuously acquire new knowledge to keep up with the times and improve competitiveness.　 　Second, as President Tsai stressed, "Never forget your original goal, and rise to the challenge fearlessly." She mentioned combat readiness tasks specifically as there are always challenges there. But troops should not be discouraged no matter how challenging a task may seem. The rigorous training of graduates is not only to protect their family members, but also to safeguard the safety of all nationals. As such, the President asked all graduates to hold on to their belief and be brave when tasks seems near impossible. 　President Tsai also took the opportunity to thank all the graduates for choosing to join the military and dedicate their young adult years to serving their country. It is her conviction that the Armed Forces of the Republic of China will grow in strength and protect the country with the efforts of these young and enthusiastic troops. 　President Tsai pointed also noted that, especially in the past few years, the country has vigorously promoted independence of national defense. It is thus hoped that these graduates, after entering the Armed Forces as troops, will apply what they have learned, realize their full potential, and continue to improve the combat power of the military. 　"Today, we take pride in the Armed Forces, and in the future, the Armed Forces will also be proud of you.” In closing her speech, President Tsai again wished the graduates a big congratulations on their success.

(Reporter Ko Peng-hsin of Military News Agency, Nantou, 16th) The 209 Factory of Production and Manufacturing Center of the Armament Bureau held a dynamic display and production line introduction of the CM34 wheeled armored vehicle with a 30mm chain-gun at Yuegang Camp today, showcasing its excellent off-road performance and precise strike capability. The exhibition demonstrated the advanced achievements of indigenous-made national defense equipment. 　The 209 Factory stated that the CM34 wheeled armored vehicle with a 30mm chain-gun features mobility, protection and firepower. This vehicle was researched and manufactured by each factory of the Production and Manufacturing Center of the Armament Bureau as well as the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), and was officially put into mass-production in 2018. The vehicle can travel at a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour to facilitate rapid deployment of reinforcements during combat. It can also resist 12.7 mm machine gun fire so offers good protection, and is equipped with external composite armor. Ever further, it is installed with a nuclear, biological and chemical air-conditioning system. 　The CM34 armored vehicle also features a 30 mm cannon turret with a thermal imaging system that can perform combat missions around the clock. Furthermore, the vehicle is also equipped with crosswind sensors, and a gyroscope and global positioning system to greatly improve shooting accuracy, so that its effective range can reach 3,000 meters. 　The 209 Factory emphasized that it hopes to use this event to allow our nationals to appreciate the specific effects of indigenous-made vehicles. In the future, the Armed Forces will continue to develop high-performance equipment based on operational needs to ensure preparation and national security, and enhance the combat capabilities of national defense bodies.

(Reporter Lin Tse-ting of Military News Agency, Kaohsiung, 1st) The 2nd Company of Battalion Engineers of the 52nd Engineering Group conducted a final test and inspection at the base for the final training today, and carried out "MGB middle frame bridge" erection operations as it conducted bridge repairs. During the drill, the operating officers and soldiers successfully erected the bridge under the commander's orders and within the time limit indicated, demonstrating excellent tacit understanding, skill, and military cadence. All of these actions showcase the practical and advanced combat capabilities of the engineering troops. 　The unit to be tested set off from the engineering training center early in the morning, and traveled to the Mituo District of Kaohsiung to erect the bridge using the materials provided. The drill was conducted as a combined combat scene to see how long it would take the engineering team to completed bridge loading, maneuvering, and erection operations as a simulation of a bridge that has been damaged by enemy attack. As such, the operation is designed to improve the commanding ability of cadres and professional skills of engineers. 　Major Chang, a tactical instructor of the engineering training center for testing and appraising the emergency repair of bridges, said that the final test at the base is an off-site test to polish and sharpen the commanding and planning capabilities of cadres via drills to strengthen the professional skills of engineers, and improve the combat support capabilities of engineering troops. 　Fang Yu-jie, a private who conducted bridging work in the bridge repair drill and appraisals of the task in this exercise, pointed out that although the weather was hot, it would not affect their determination to complete the training, especially as bridging demands a lot of physical strength. As such, they often have to exercise and train, eat a balanced diet, get sufficient sleep, and have a positive attitude to maintain such high levels of energy and combat readiness.

(Reporter Hsieh Hung-kuai of Military News Agency, Pingtung, 27th) The Armed Forces recently conducted its annual missile shooting training at Jiupeng Base and the eastern sea area to strengthen its naval and air force, and verify peace-to-war conversion by the Coast Guard Administration for the first time following incorporation into the defense operation sequence mechanism of the Armed Forces. The purpose of the training is to test and verify the live ammunition shooting and engagement capabilities by naval, air force and coastal guard cruisers, improve joint combat effectiveness, and demonstrate their determination to defend the security of the Taiwan Strait. 　This mission was conducted based on the overall air defense and joint sea control scenarios, and adopted "simulation of actual combat" and "ex situ training" measures. Through air, water, and shore-mounted platforms, various types of ammunition were fired at target ships (targets), with a hitting rate of nearly 98% as the troops successfully verified their joint strike capabilities of sea, air force and sea cruisers to defend the land against enemy attack. 　Navy Command, which is responsible for coordinating such drills, stated that the Navy is committed to building armaments and preparation for combat based on the guidance of joint combat capability planning by the Ministry of National Defense (MND) to implement President Tsai's policies of "indigenous ship-building" and "self-independence of national defense." As conducted through the actual combat via training, it will then verify the joint operational supervision mechanisms and attack procedures of the Navy and Air Force, and strengthen overall defense and combat capabilities, thus safeguarding the security of the Taiwan Strait.

(Reporter Lu Shang-yu of Military News Agency, Dongyin, 19th) To verify the combat capability of each unit in areas of defense, Dongyin Area Command recently conducted live-fire training as part of the Chung-yi Drill in May. During the exercise, each unit performed drills as they were briefed of the example scenario and all drills were carried out effectively and accurately. 　The primary scope of this exercise covers the areas of Nan'ao, Bei'ao, and Yanxiu'ao of Dongyin Township. During the exercise, situations and scenarios such as “battlefield management", "sealing and opening the tuning in peace and war time", "protective shooting at night", "transfer of command post", "anti-airborne operations", "anti-vessel shooting", "primer annihilation at Aodi", and "base group battles to strengthen combat power" were released to verify the deployment of troops and firepower planning. All drills are designed to train officers and soldiers to be proficient in using weapons and when shooting live ammunition. 　Commander Major General Lai indicated that all servicemen would, as instructed by Command General Hsu, implement various combat and training tasks at the defense area to "take root at rank-and-file level, implement training, and handle scenarios in peace and war times." As such, every officer and soldier can appreciate the combat tasks and strengthen overall combat capabilities of the defense area, thus ensuring the safety of Dongyin. 　During the "protective shooting at night" phase of the Chung-yi Drill, officers and soldiers drove CM21 armored vehicles, maneuvered them to tactical positions, and fired at targets with 50 on-board machine guns. Throughout the shooting, tracer bullets left trails in the dark night, which reflected with the use of flares to illuminate the night sky of Dongyin.

(Reporter Ko Peng-hsin of Military News Agency, Penghu, 12th) To verify the effectiveness of troop training, the first combat zone of the Armed Forces carried out May's Cheng-jiang Drill early this morning. During the exercise, troops proceeded with all kinds of artillery shooting using live ammunition to achieve the goal of integrating training for combat and to ensure combat effectiveness as one defense unit. 　During the exercise, M60A3 tanks carried out tactical maneuvering and positioning, and verified the combat capabilities of officers and soldiers through regular shooting, dynamic-to-static shooting, and other positions. In addition, Penghu Defense Command conducted shooting of live ammunitions with 120 mortars, 50 machine guns, and 40 grenade guns. When hen officers and soldiers of the air defense company maneuvered to the designated tactical position, they completed deployment of dual-mounted stinger missiles within the time allotted, and, as such, they were able to exert joint strike capabilities, demonstrating the solid combat power of the air defense area. 　Commander Lieutenant General Liu noted the first priority of training is safety. He believes that only by following troop action procedures and preparations with safety first can exercises be carried out. The purpose of using various weapons to fire live ammunition is to help all servicemen fully appreciate combat tasks, familiarize themselves with the environment of the battlefield, and realize the implementation of combat plans and battlefield operations so they can become quality troops.

(Reporter Lee Chong-suan of Military News Agency, Taipei, May 3rd) President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the decoration and promotion ceremony of high-ranking military officers of the Armed Forces today, in which she anticipated General Hsiung Hou-chi, who will take up the post as a strategic adviser to the Presidential Office, and General Liu Ren-yuan, who will take up the post as the Commander of Air Force, shall continue make great contributions to improving self-independence of national defense, safeguard national security, and stabilize peace and development in the region. 　President Tsai was accompanied by Koo, Li-Hsiung, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, and Chiu Kuo-cheng, Minister of Defense, to officiate the morning ceremony. She first presented General Hsiung Hou-chi with the "Third-Class Order of Precious Tripod", and then decorated Commander Liu Ren-yuan with military rank. 　In her speech, the President remarked that the day before yesterday was the beginning of May – a fresh month and a fresh start for these two important generals of the Armed Forces as they take up their new positions and continue to improve the development of national defense affairs. General Hsiung Hou-chi, former Command of the Air Force, will now serve as a strategic adviser to the Presidential Office, and the President thanked, on behalf of the country and the Air Force, General Hsiung for his continued, dedicated to service and decorated him with the “Third-Class Order of Precious Tripod.” 　The President said that indigenous-made aircraft over the past few years has improved the overall combat power of the Air Force, and triggered important developments of the domestic aerospace industry. For example, the first advanced jet trainer, the T-5 Brave Eagle, was successfully delivered. In addition, General Hsiung had put in a lot of effort and hard work on the "F-16V performance improvement and equipment installation" project. Having witnessed General Hsiung urge his brothers and sisters in the Air Force to work tirelessly, President Tsai found his spirit most inspiring. 　President Tsai also mentioned that CCP aircrafts have frequently intruded the Taiwan Strait in recent years, and General Hsiung had led the Air Force throughout this time in safeguarding the security of Taiwan. As such, President Tsai thanks General Hsiung sincerely for his hard work and valiant effort and looks forward to the General serving the country further in his new post, bringing with him a wealth of experience. Most of all, President Tsai hopes that General Hsiung will continue to offer invaluable advice to the Armed Forces so service personnel can also advance. 　The President remarked that General Liu Ren-yuan, who takes over as Commander of the Air Force and was promoted to General, is also an outstanding serviceman of the Armed Forces. He previously served Chief of Staff of Air Force Command and Commander of the Air Force Combatant Command, among other important posts. Liu has also made a lot of contributions to the formation of emerging forces and strengthening of various tasks for combat readiness during his service as Deputy Command of the Air Force. As such, the Armed Forces expects General Liu to continue to exert his talent and lead the Air Force with vigor as it builds stronger air defense combat capabilities. 　The President stressed that everyone plays an indispensable role in supporting national security, and extended a warm thanks to Mrs. Hsiung and Mrs. Liu for their support and dedication within the Armed Forces family and everyone gathers to protect the homeland. 　The President ended her speech by emphasizes that peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait has attracted more international attention with recent changes alongside the global situation, and the government should continue to improve its self-independence of national defense, safeguard national security, and continue to make contributions to the stability and peaceful development of the region. With this goal in mind, everyone needs to work together. She concluded by once again offering her sincere congratulations to General Hsiung and General Liu, and wishes both Generals every success and in their new positions.