Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung visited the Greater Taipei area today to inspect units participating in the live exercise phase of Han Kuang 42 Exercise. He observed reserve-force mobilization and combat power regeneration, the defense of clustered strongpoints, and joint counter-airborne and counter-air-assault drills. He commended the efforts of thetheater of operationsto integrate active and reserve forces effectively and enhance overall defense capabilities.
Accompanied by Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien and other officials, Minister Koo began his inspection by receiving a mission briefing from the Taipei Brigade. He reviewed the brigade’s progress in regenerating combat power following full mobilization, as well as its overall plans for reserve forces to conduct mutually supporting and coordinated defensive operations. During the inspection, personnel from the mortar battalion demonstrated 120 mm mortar firing procedures, showcasing their training achievements and ability to provide fire support following mobilization.
Minister Koo also spoke with mobilized reservists about their professional expertise and what they had gained from refresher training, and invited them to offer suggestions drawn from that experience. Minister Koo said reserve cadres should understand the professional backgrounds and experience of mobilized reservists and assign them suitable duties according to the principle of “matching personnel to appropriate roles.” This would allow reservists to apply their expertise in the right positions and rapidly translate their expertise into combat power. He added that, in accordance with the overall operational concept, active and reserve forces must be effectively integrated, with forces and firepower appropriately deployed to maximize overall operational effectiveness.
Minister Koo later inspected a field drill conducted by personnel from the 229th Military Police Battalion, the 66th Marine Brigade, and the Taipei Brigade to counter airborne and air assault operations. He reviewed their overall command-and coordination capabilities and their ability to employ forces effectively. Minister Koo recognized the dedication and hard work of active-duty personnel and mobilized reservists in combat-readiness training. He encouraged them to continue their efforts and work together to transform their exercise and training experience into solid combat capabilities for safeguarding national security.