MNA

(Reported by Cho Yi-Li, Correspondent of Military News Agency on October 28th in Nantou) The Fourth Season Tactical Maneuver took place, cheered by passersby as they saw armored vehicles and tanks progress swiftly. The 586th Armored Brigade affiliated with the 10th Army Command executed the CM-32 Clouded Leopard Tactical Maneuver yesterday. As they were progressing by Nantou High School, they were cheered by a passionate throng of students waving flags led by Fu Kuo-Liang, the school principal. It was a precious chance to spark patriotism in the students and develop their knowledge on national defense. The troopers on the vehicles responded to the crowd’s support with salute. The CM-32 Clouded Leopard vehicles progressed by downtown streets as they carried out their Tactical Maneuver, guided by local police for smooth operations. Staff Sergeant Yang said that they demonstrated their training results in the given mission, which also showed the public the military’s full-fledged readiness. Corporal Chou, a shooter, said that the military is always there to defend the security, welfare and well-being of the country. With the vehicles weaving through the streets with the crowd cheering all along, Chou felt that all of their efforts were worth it.

(Reported by Hsieh Hung-Kuai, Correspondent of Military News Agency on October 19th in Pingtung) The Air Force conducted their final evaluation for all the tactics acquired in 2020 to verify the troops’ readiness to take part in joint exercises. The Air Defense & Missile Command Headquarters (“ADMC”) held a shooting contest, in which the troopers brought out their best and fought for honor on behalf of their respective divisions. The shooting contest was held by the ADMC at the Fanshang Range in Pintung this afternoon. The 35-mm Cannon Task Force was held responsible for the task and conducted shooting day and night. Ammos were loaded before conducting reconnaissance in order to guide 35-mm cannons for precision aiming and shooting. The troopers undergoing the contest demonstrated remarkable combat readiness. With the ammos blazing in the night sky, the participants shined their unbeatable skills and unshakable faith to defend our country.

The Ministry of National Defense has responded news coverage on 11th regarding “The domestic production of frigates was only halfway through! Linkfast Technology experienced hurdles in R&D and invited other global military suppliers to participate in the tender” The MND said that the media reports are speculative and are not based on facts. With the Domestic Shipbuilding Programme, the NCSIST will implement “Preparation for the Construction of the New Frigate Project of the ROCN” from 2019 to 2026. Linkfast Technology is responsible for the R&D of the project and is still executing the relevant evaluation work according to the project details. The evaluation results must meet naval operational requirements before the commencement of the follow-up operations. The Ministry of National Defense will continue to promote various naval projects in accordance with the programme details to establish naval combat power in line with defensive operations for our national security. The MND appreciates the support from the public.

(Reported by Chou Li-Hsing, Correspondent of Military News Agency on October 10th in Taipei) The 2020 Double Tenth Day, the National Day of the Republic of China, is themed upon a sign that reads “Stride with Pride, Democratic Taiwan!” Hosted by Yu Shyi-kun, President of Legislative Yuan, the celebration of the day was attended by President Tsai Ing-Wen and all the cabinet members as well as ambassadors, representatives, and overseas Taiwanese guests. The phenomenal ceremony featured remarkable military parades, which radiated superior morale and full-fledged combat readiness. As a prelude, the military marching band stunned the crowd with a series of musical arrangements and artistic exhibition drill. The warmup performance began with self-composed pieces such Sea Wind March and Facing COVID with Bravery, with the marching band performing Pioneer of Democracy, Everlasting Guard, All as One, Stride with Pride. The half-time show featured silent drill, while the epilogue appealed to the throng with popular ballads such Grass, the Smell of Rice, Determined to Go Forward, with the marching band changing their formations and techniques to display the glory of Double Tenth, linear wave parade and hand-in-hand teamwork. The dynamism of the shows promoted the nation’s energy to stride with pride and won ovation from the public. The Military Police Command was also asked to perform a spectacular parade on their Harley motorcycles. Led by a Lincoln limousine and 8 reconnaissance vehicles, the 36-motorcycle parade strutted in front of the stage in a 5-km-per-hour speed. The riders were in helmet and combat uniform, taking the march in stride. The rally then returned to the stage and overwhelmed the crowd with various formations including forward stride, double tenth in Mandarin, clockwise and counterclockwise interchanging cycles and V-formation. Also featured in the performance were the 8-traditional-instrument orchestra from Miaoli, marching band from Taipei First Girls’ Senior High School and the National Police Agency Special Operations Group (NPASOG), drawing the audience’s attention to the staggering manifestation of the nation’s pride. Led by Sergeant Chen Yu-Lin affiliated with New Taipei City Reserved Army Command and those who have been committed to fighting with COVID-19, the singing of the Republic of China national anthem was performed by Singsong Chorus from Taipei Medical University. Meanwhile, two colossal flags was escorted by 7 UH-60M helicopters and ferried by 2 CH-47D transport helicopters across mid-air above the stage, igniting the spark of patriotism in everyone’s heart. Following the celebration events, a procession of 5 Humvees and 6 medium-sized tactical vehicles carrying 100 representatives with enormous achievements in the fight against COVID-19 were greeted and hailed by the audience. The follow-up shows, themed on time, blessings and new energy, included a variety of shows, such as gongs, bands, martial arts, street dance, acapella, Cyr wheel performance, extreme sports, songs, and choirs, leaving the spectators impressed and bedazzled by the variety of talents and richness of cultural diversity in Taiwan. The climax of the celebration was reached when a few F16-V’s and the ROC Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team fleeted across the sky in a V formation above the stage, paying attribute to the distinguished guests and attending representatives. The celebration culminated with a stunning fly-past consisting of three-color stripes in the air, wishing the Republic of China a sincere happy birthday.

(Reported by Chen Chun-Chun, Correspondent of Military News Agency on October 2nd in Taipei) In reverence of Chin Liang-Feng, an Army corporal injured in the 2018 Han Kuang Military Exercises, President Tsai updated Chin’s rehabilitation progress on Facebook this morning. President Tsai said Chin was in a bad coma and paralyzed after he fell from mid-air. She paid him a few visits and has been concerned about his recovery. Luckily, Chin has been showing excellent progress thanks to his strong determination as well as full support from his family and the military, according to Tsai. It was also mentioned in Tsai’s post that Chin already recovered his ability to walk and feed himself and even type on a computer. Also to her relief was that his handshake began to pick up some strength. Despite the challenging recovery process, Chin has never given up. He also put down his feelings in words about the process saying that he will “keep up his confidence and have faith in himself while striding down toward his goal,” which will help him “reach his destination without even being aware.” He also pledged that he “will never be defeat by oneself.” Tsai approved of the spirit, which she encouraged the entire military to hold on to. Tsai also applauded those who were required to work during the long weekend of Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional holiday observed by the general civil society by reuniting with family members. Quoting Chin’s inspiring, heartfelt anecdote, Tsai took the chance to wholeheartedly thank those who have been committed tirelessly to the country.

(Reported by Chou Sheng-Wei, Correspondent of Military News Agency on September 25th in Matsu) Vice Admiral Chiu Su-Hwa, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, oversaw the Joint Anti-Landing Drills operations by the Matsu Defense Demand today. Amidst the jarring sounds of bombardment, the participating troops completed their operations, demonstrating remarkable readiness for warfare and superior resolution to defend the country. The operations took place in difference locations yet simultaneously in Nangan, Beigan, Juguang townships. Government officials from Lienchiang County, county legislators, local representatives and citizens were also invited to witness the phenomenal drills so that they have profound common sense about national security and recognize the military’s resolution and readiness to defend the country. The drills featured 81mm mortars. The operations were conducted in 5 phases: joint intelligence, reconnaissance and investigation, air defense fire, neutralization fire, wave assault, beach assault. The maneuvers successfully validated the joint warfare command mechanisms, coordination of fire operations and joint fire assault. Lieutenant General Chang, Commander-in-chief of Matsu Defense Command, thanked the local government and civil society for their support. He stressed that military exercise is the key to solidifying defense readiness. The command’s operations will continue to benefit the local residents and maintain reciprocal interactions with them, exhibiting the sense of unity between the military and the civil society. They will be fully committed to all training operations and continue to strengthen readiness and resolution to defend the country.

(Reported by Chou Li-Hsing, Correspondent of Military News Agency on September 17th in Tainan) The 2020 Sniping Contest kicked in today for Team 3, who were tasked with loaded march followed by sniping. The participants were required to walk 7.5 kilometers with 25 kilograms of gear, following which they were required to conduct reconnaissance and snipe the assigned target within the allocated time. It was no doubt a test of their physical limit, durability as well as responsiveness and sniping skills. Slightly before dawn, 11 task teams from the 10th Regiment of the Army, the Special Forces Battalion, and fellows from Huadong Defense Command gathered for warmup and the final check before departure. At 5:00 AM sharp, the troops set off upon the instructor’s order for Jianshan Shooting Range affiliated with the Army Southern Test Center, each loaded with gear of 25 kilograms. They were ordered to make a return trip back to their starting point upon arrival. The 7.5-kilometer journey was a rugged, rocky one in mountainous terrain, which participants needed to complete within 90 minutes while performing operations with mock enemy along the way. Dawn set in. The team completing the mission first spent 65 minutes, followed by the rest, who all made it within the designated time frame. The performance showed remarkable training results of the snipers. After a brief break while the troops prepared them with camouflage gear and ghillie suit for the next operation, they positioned themselves in the range and starting sketching their panoramic maps and measuring distance from 10 targets with various positions so that they could create a mock battlefield with different shooting distances. In the shooting routine, the shooters and the observers were required to pick 5 targets randomly and complete the shooting within 4 minutes using fixed parameters. Due to various distances, the shooters needed to judge the distance and adjust their aims nimbly in their goggles. They ended up demonstrating their swift responsiveness and smart shooting skills, which are essentials credentials to validate qualified snipers.

(Reported by Chou Sheng-Wei, Correspondent of Military News Agency on September 8th in Dongyin) Lieutenant General Lee Ting-Sheng, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, oversaw the joint anti-landing drills staged on offshore islands in Dongyin, Matzu on behalf of the Minister of National Defense, Yen Teh-Fa; and Chief of the General Staff, Admiral Huang Shu-Kuang. Lee approved of the drill results and dedications by the participating troops, igniting their morale and leaving all high-spirited. Accompanied by Lieutenant General Mo, Deputy Commander of the Army, and other supervisors, Lee visited Dongyin this morning, where the drills were held. Local administrative leaders and representatives in Dongyin were invited to witness the military exercise in order to strengthen their common awareness about the importance of civil society in national security. The consummation of live-fire drills, according to Lee, can be attributed to support from local government and civil society. He said that conducting drills helps maintain a solid foundation of defense. The fact that all troops are accustomed to hearing shooting and shelling makes them alert around the clock, reminding them of the belief that we are all bound together no matter which island we live on and that military and civilians should always stick together to guard the nation. Lee then visited other bases to monitor other defense operations and exchanged thoughts with key leaders about preparing the troops with alert and readiness to fight. As the saying goes, one cannot simply stake on sheer luck when dealing with enemy. Therefore, it is imperative that we all need to be well prepared and safeguard our northern frontiers. On behalf of military leaders, Lee earlier paid tribute to all the veterans living on the island for their service and gave them presents. They were all thanked for lifetime dedication to defending the country and protecting democracy and freedom.

(Reported by Ge Peng-Hsin, Correspondent of Military News Agency on September 3rd in Taipei) Taipei 101 and the Ministry of National Defense worked together to pay tribute to all active duty members on the Armed Forces Day by lighting up the 59th and the 60th stories of the landmark’s north façade. According to the Ministry of National Defense, a campaign was held on August 31 calling for photos and original messages to cheer for the nation’s armed forces. As of the deadline, approximately 600 entries were received. The MND would like to thank all the supporters for their warmth and enthusiasm. The MND said that support for the military is what makes the troops driven and motivated. Of all the submissions, the MND and Taipei 101 favored the two following cheering messages: “Our guardians around the clock” “Thank you for being there all along. Happy Armed Forces Day”

In response to media reports that "if war breaks out between the two sides of the strait, Taiwan may not sustain its defense for two days after it loses air superiority," the Air Force Command stated today (29) that the Air Force has deployed air-defense forces (military strength) at the periphery around all important targets for protection and has strengthened relevant combat protection to ensure overall air defense safety. Furthermore, it has worked to open the combat readiness (lane) using a highway strip, utilized the total force of people to increase runway rescue energy, and continued to rebuild key airport facilities, among others. As such, Taiwan’s combat power can be quickly restored after an attack, and all nationals can rest assured.