MNA

(Reporter Li Chung-hsuan of Military News Agency, Taipei, 10th) The "Great League of Democracy, Friends from the World" celebrates the National Day of the Republic of China for the year 2021. The event and celebration today was hosted by the Chair of Legislative Yuan, Yu Shyi-kun. President Tsai Ing-wen led the heads of various ministries and committees to attend as well. In addition, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) worked with the National Day Preparatory and Planning Committee to support three-stage performance tasks – the "Prelude of Warm-up", "National Day Convention" , and "Theme-based Performances." It was expected that representatives of the servicemen as well as various kinds of weapons and equipment will be part of the demonstration, showing the determination of the Armed Forces to defend Taiwan, safeguard the homeland, and do its undeniable part. The prologue warm-up performance was first performed by the joint band of the Armed Forces and Honor Guard of the Republic of China. In the first half, the band played two songs, "Glory March" and "No Hesitation on the Pandemic", which were performed by the Honor Guard in three types of formations - “Soaring To Fly High”, "Solidarity", and "Unity of Wills." During the intermission, the demonstration bands and percussionists from the Army, Navy, and Air Force were arranged to form a marching drum team . In the second half, the band played three songs, "Fly against the Wind" by the famous singer Hsiao Huang-chi, “Clap Song” from the end song of a documentary by Chi Po-lin, and “Dare to be stupid and crush” by the Taiwanese band "Eggplant Egg” . The Honor Guard performed "Forward to the Future", "Charge", "Services in Oneness" and "Victory Double Ten" and other formations to show the determination of the Armed Forces to embrace challenges and achieve its mission. The after-party invited six representatives from the police, fire-fighting, medical, and sport worlds to sing the national anthem with the National Taiwan Hakka Children's Choir. While singing the national anthem, two Army CH-47 transport helicopters, under the escort of -64E and AH-1W attack helicopters, heralded forward and hung two of the largest national flags in history into the arena. With these huge national flags flying in the sky, the celebration was further enhanced and symbolized the far-reaching significance of Taiwan in solidarity and confidence moving forward. The grand finale of the National Day Ceremony saw the Air Force Thunder Tiger, flying with a AT-3 trainer, having adopted a five-plane geese formation and flew from the back of the Presidential Palace, passing over the reviewing stand. With the neat formation, the sound of engines shocked the audience, but they were soon in awe of the tri-color smoke of blue, white, and red which drew a conclusion to the National Day Celebration of the Republic of China for the year 2021. The organizers of the event would like to wish the prosperous national fortune of the Republic of China so that all people can live and work in peace and harmony.

(Reporter Chou Li-xing of Military News Agency, Chiayi, 5th)The Armed Forces conducted a second rehearsal of its full air-force demonstration on the morning of the 5th for the National Day. During the drill, the autogyro fleet, made up of aircraft from Army AH-64E, AH-1W, UH-60M helicopters and Navy S-70C anti-submarine helicopters, flew in arrangements of three-plane formations and passed over the Presidential Palace in perfect timing, demonstrating solid training results.

(Reporter Tsai Fang-yuan of Military News Agency, Taipei, 20th) The French PX3 International Photography Competition 2021 (Prix de la Photographie Paris) has recently announced the winners of various categories of awards. Captain Huang Shao-en, press officer of the Military News Agency, was awarded the gold prize in the Journalist Category for his work "Behind the Flight". Major Liu Cheng-jun, press officer of the Youth Daily, was awarded the silver prize for his work "Push The Limit". Major Huang Jun-yong received two awards: bronze prize and an honorary nomination, and Captain Hsieh Pei-chen was also presented with the special bronze price for the "Chemical Soldiers" work piece. All these awards not only demonstrate the outstanding strength of the professional team in political warfare, but also helped display the images of the ROC Armed Forces with well-drilled training as well as their determination in homeland security efforts, bringing the Armed Forces of the ROC once again into the international arena. In recent years, the Military News Agency has repeatedly achieved outstanding results in international photography competitions. Subsequent to the military academy graduation song created by colleagues from the Military News Agency that won the grand award in the London International Creative Competition in April this year, Huang Shao-en, the press officer, has again won the gold prize in the French PX3 International Photo Contest. This is a significant achievement for news units of the Armed Forces. "Drill-master, you are simply awesome!" Huang Shao-en said, as the entry for the competition was taken as he interviewed the pilot. After the interview, he shared this unique perspective of the pilot, who was smiling from ear to ear. Huang Shao-en said the ordinary "360-degree inspection" in the eyes of pilots is normal, yet it can have unexpectedly results as shown through the rare composition of the lens. This has triggered Huang Shao-en to contribute his work. He believes that the daily drills and tasks by officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces might seem ordinary, but they in fact quite extraordinary. These servicemen have actually never realized that the subtleties of their tasks can be so special and meaningful. Most of all, they have become accustomed to these routines so they don't think of them as significant anymore. Huang Sha-oen pointed out that the worked titled "Behind the Flight" not only addresses the perspective of filming from the rear, but also that everyone has strived so hard in unity and teamwork behind every successful flight mission. Military News Agency stated that it will continue to work hard to create high-quality work in the future and present wonderful pictures of the diligent and well-drilled training by servicemen of the Armed Forces through social community platforms. Netizens are welcome to visit IG, Twitter, YouTube and other platforms of the Military News Agency as they show their support for our officers and soldiers.

(Reporter Lin Ze-ting of Military News Agency, Pingtung, 15th) Air Force Command conducted the fighter take-off and landing as well as reorganization and fill-up exercises on Provincial Highway No. 1 of the Jiadong combat runway today. As the Joint Operations Center of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) issued the coordinated combat and support order, all of the related authorities of the 4th Joint Combat Battalion worked closely with the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), the Directorate General of Highways, the National Police Agency and others to successfully furnish the reorganization and fill-up operations for four different types aircraft, demonstrating the effectiveness of joint operations. Early in the morning the sound of fighter engines pierced the silence of the sky. Then, as many as four aircraft from the Air Force – IDF, F-16V, Mirage 2000, and E-2K – took off from different bases, and quickly landed on the Jiadong combat runway. With assistance from the ground crew, they quickly took off after having completed fuel replenishment operations, and continued with the exercise, demonstrating the precise combat capabilities of flight troops of the Air Force. On the third day of the Han Kuang No. 37 war game, take-off and landing exercises were carried out on the Jiadong combat runway. Before the exercise, from as early as 03.00, officers and soldiers of the Air Force removed foreign objects from the combat runway to ensure the exercise could be completed without interference. Air Force Command stressed that this exercise has fully demonstrated the unity between the military and civilians, and has brought into play the mobilization power of national defense. As such, it hopes the public renders its appreciation for the well-drilled training of the Armed Forces as well as the determination of self-defense through the strategic communication mechanism, consolidating the consensus of national defense as "concern by all nationals, support by all nationals, and participation by all nationals." The success of the live military exercise of jet fighters taking-off and landing on the combat runway is just one example of this effort. The Air Force has stated it is thankful for the understanding and support of the public while it closed off roads for the defense drill.

(Reporter Huang Shao-en of Military News Agency, Hsinchu, 7th)To assess the training conducted at the army base, the Army North Joint Test Center today organized tactical instructors to conduct end-of-term combat strength assessments for Lanyang Regional Command and other training units. This morning the unit carried out "re-counterattack" combat shooting inspections at the 105 shooting range. The whole process was guided by a scenario, and when the main officer of the tank company received his command from the battalion commander, the order to attack was issued. M60A3 tanks marched to the counterattack position according to orders so they could give full play to effective command, team understanding, and familiar operation of weapons and equipment to accurately strike at the targets. The maneuver demonstrated high levels of mobility and shooting technology as well as solid combat power and high hitting rates. The North Test Center stated the combat power appraisal and testing method with "real troops, live ammunition, and real vehicles" is used to conduct training so it can verify the command procedures of cadres, strengthen the handling capabilities of officers and soldiers on the battlefield, and enhance actual combat capabilities and energy. Most of all, these drills will render the troops combat-ready and the joint training base of the Armed Forces is fully prepared.

(Reporter Chen Jiun-Jiun of Military News Agency, 1st Taichung)As Armored 586 Brigade carried out its combat readiness and reconnaissance training, today is the second day the brigade will work on the training subjects. The eight-wheeled armored vehicles of the joint battalion marched into tactical position according to the maneuvering route, and cooperated live on the scene to conduct the exercise to help officers and soldiers familiarize themselves with actual battlefield situations, thus strengthening their training. Lieutenant Chen, the company commander who has participated in combat readiness, reconnaissance and patrol missions, said that this exercise was his first major mission since he took over the post as company commander. Therefore, it is necessary for him to rely on the officers and soldiers of each position to perform their duties and work well with each other. Most of all, it takes communication, logistics, administration and other support throughout the mission for successful completion. Sergeant James, who served as the driver of the armored vehicle, emphasized that there are far more emergencies one must pay paid attention to than in the camp during tactical maneuvers so he mostly focuses on those. He also stressed that it is an honor to be able to participate in such tasks and to be a member of the 586 Brigade so he will work tirelessly to protect our homeland.

(Reporter Huang Shao-en of Military News Agency, Taoyuan, 25th)The Army Armored 584 Brigade carried out combat readiness, reconnaissance, and patrol training today. During the exercise, officers and soldiers of the joint battalion carried out tactical maneuvers and key target protection drills according to the training subjects to strengthen their response capabilities and demonstrate their combat effectiveness. To improve the combat capability of officers and soldiers, the Army 584 Armored Brigade carried out reconnaissance and patrol combat readiness training at dawn to drill officers and soldiers as they effectively demonstrate their work in different environments. After completing the assignment and vehicle inspection, officers and soldiers of the joint battalion dispatched eight-wheeled armored vehicles from the camp to the township to perform tactical maneuvers. Upon reaching the target location, they immediately conducted personnel disembarkation for combat drills. Captain Change, the company commander who executed this reconnaissance and patrol combat readiness training, indicated that officers and soldiers will be more familiar with actual combat situations, improved adaptability, and various enhanced professions through solid combat readiness, reconnaissance and patrol training. As such, servicemen are transformed into corps elite that can fight, dare to fight, and are good at combat, thus being the guardians of our country and instill peace of mind for our nationals. Corporal Chen, who served as the driver of armored car A, pointed out that the training mission was to begin when the sky was still quite dark to test the visibility, concentration and skills of the driver. He hoped that he could accumulate a lot of wealth of driving experience through training and enhance combat power so servicemen could be the best they can be defend the homeland.

(Reporter Chou Sheng-wei of Military News Agency, Taipei, 22nd)"It’s yours if you make it through, and you must overcome obstacles on your own." This statement has always been the motto that reminds Huang Wen-chi to persevere and never give up when he faces difficulties and adversity. In fact, he has experienced some hard times when trying to start up a business, but recovered and has a great life. He relies on his strong spirit and training foundation as a member of the special service team in the Marine Corps. Huang Wen-chi is a retired sergeant of the special service team in the Marine Corps. With a dream of being his own boss, he started his own barbecue restaurant after he left the army, and recalls having drinks quite often with customers to socialize with them. He further added, "you had to drink, whether you were happy about it or not. By the end of the year, I had gastroenteritis two or three times." He said to himself he couldn't go on with that lifestyle, no matter how lucrative the business was. He decided to close the restaurant and ushered in the low ebb of his life. After retirement from the special service team in the Marine Corps, Huang Wen-chi was still very confident in his body and physical stamina so that he switched track and started another career as a fitness coach. In addition, since he is a national A-level coach of the Boxing Association and has a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he decided to start his own business again. He set up a fitness and sports center in Taichung, and taught fitness skills and arts based on his drilling experience and knowledge. Given his number of accomplishments, "Coach Achi" not only realized his dream of starting his own a business, but also got back to full health. He is very happy now. Every decision in life is difficult. During his, he started a business that ended in a restaurant, had to close it, and started another business again. Besides spending large sums of money, this experience also challenged his courage to face setbacks and failures. With encouragement from his family and support with the spirit of the special service team of the Marine Corps, he stood up again, persevered to the end, faced his challenges, and moved forward bravely. Slogans from the special service team can be seen everywhere in his fitness center, and they also help people to appreciate the value of his troop experience. He is most grateful for the cultivation from the special service team, so that no matter whether he is in physical training, parachute training, path training or anything else, he has the power to break through the limits of the body and mind. Ultimately, these drills have nurtured him to have the courage to face setbacks and difficulties. Huang Wen-chi hopes to pass on his drilling experience and knowledge to others. He also wants to help everyone re-mould and transform themselves through his fitness space. For more stories about Huang Wen-chi, please watch them on the Military News Agency YouTube channel.

(Reporter Chen Jiun-jiun of Military News Agency, Changhua, 11th) Officers and soldiers from the Army 21st Artillery Command received their final inspections at the base in central Taiwan today. After performing tactical maneuvers and occupying positions according to orders, they fired live ammunition at targets to verify the overall combat effectiveness of the artillery unit. During the tests, officers and soldiers tactically moved to positions and implemented various shooting operations, including "shooting, surveying, observation, communication and artillery operations" and other joint operations with artillery units. Based on the procedures, steps, and essentials, the artillery servicemen demonstrated their team spirit well and completed each item successfully, showing the results of regular diligent training.

(Reporter Wang Yu-chen of Military News Agency, Taipei City, 4th)The Chinese Taipei Olympic delegation of athletes performed brilliantly at the Tokyo Olympics. The Air Force dispatched four Mirage 2000 fighters to accompany them on their flight back home, and set off hot flame bombs in congratulations as we thank them for their honor and glory while representing the country. The Ministry of National Defense (MND) arranged for Mirage jet-fighters to greet Wang Chi-lin and Li Yang, who won gold in the badminton men's doubles, and Tai Tze-ying, who won silver in the women's badminton singles, as well as coaches, trainers and others upon their return to Taiwan. The MND stated that President Tsai Ing-wen directed the air force to accompany the national heroes on their return to the country in accordance with the protocol set by the 2018 Asian Games. It is an honor of the Armed Forces to welcome the national heroes back home. The escort flight is an expression of our gratitude to our nationals and the entire Olympic delegation. The MND also dispatched a filming team and edited a 2.10 minute video called the "Welcome of Victory", which shows the crew of China Airlines greeting the athletes and coaches of Chinese Taipei with an applause as they boarded. The video then shows the Hsinchu Air Force Base where pilots of the Mirage 2000 fighter jets adorn their flight suits and helmets as they are briefed on the mission. The scene then turns to the Mirage fighter jets as pilots conduct pre-flight inspections. A fighter then slowly slid out of the fort in torrential rain, and gauged sufficient horsepower on the runway for the afterburner to give out a flame. The fighter jets then flew to the mission area to release hot flame bombs on both sides of the China Airlines passenger plane, thanking Olympians and the team for representing the country. The film narrator thanks the athletes for allowing the world to see the courage of the Taiwanese people in the Tokyo Olympic. "Now it is our turn, the Armed Forces, to protect you as you return home."