All Taiwanese reservists now must undergo 14-day intensive training

Taipei, June 22 (CNA) Taiwan has scrapped its previous dual-track reservist training system, and all reservists are now required to undergo a 14-day intensive training program, according to a Ministry of National Defense (MND) report submitted to lawmakers on Monday.

Taiwan's military launched the dual-track reservist training system in 2022, allowing reservists to choose between the traditional program of five to seven days of training conducted four times over eight years or a more intensive 14-day program conducted twice over the same period.

At the time, the MND said the change was intended to improve reservists' combat readiness and ensure that Taiwan's reserve forces could more effectively support regular troops in defending the country amid increased Chinese military activities around Taiwan.

In its latest report on the progress of the country's reservist training program, submitted to lawmakers on Monday, the MND said reservists have no longer been allowed to choose between the two training options since January.

Under the current system, all reservists are required to undergo 14 days of training. In addition, a reservist may be called up for a maximum of four two-week training sessions over eight years, the report said.

There was no mention in the report of whether Taiwan has the personnel resources or munitions to carry out the more intensive training program, an issue addressed when the program was first launched in 2022.

Meanwhile, the MND said it is still reviewing relevant laws to determine whether it would be feasible to require discharged female military personnel to participate in reservist training alongside their male counterparts.

Currently, only male veterans are required to participate in regular reservist training, a policy that some critics have argued for decades constitutes gender discrimination. Female veterans may participate in reservist training on a voluntary basis.

While men in Taiwan are subject to compulsory military service and reservist obligations, women may join the armed forces voluntarily as enlisted personnel or officers.