MNA

The 115th Class of Watercraft Specialist from the Underwater Operations Unit (UOU) of 192 Naval Fleet conducted its final evaluation today. Through a series of high-intensity and continuous physical and professional skill tests, the trainees were challenged on their endurance, willpower, and underwater operational capabilities in severe conditions. After several months of rigorous training, the trainees successfully passed the final evaluation, demonstrating their solid combat capabilities. They were also awarded the "Golden Dragon Badge," symbolizing their official status as naval underwater operations specialists, entrusted with the important mission of safeguarding the maritime borders. The final evaluation began at dawn and before the sunrise. The trainees started by a 2-kilometer swim without equipment in the sea, testing their endurance and self-rescue abilities in strong currents and cold temperatures. After going ashore, they immediately transitioned to rubber dinghy march, carrying the rubber dinghy on their shoulders and moved forward to the next testing point. The entire process should be done with teammates, which is a test for both teamwork and physical limits. Hereafter, the trainees continued with an 11-kilometer jogging, running from the Brigade 1st Road to the Taoziyuan Beach. Their physical strength was continuously drained throughout the process; only with strong willpower were they able to reach the terminal point successfully. Upon reaching Taoziyuan Beach, the trainees began integrated combat skills training on the beach and waterline right away. In this challenging environment, they underwent various physical and combat skills tests, including crawling forward, kicking when back floating, and bear-hug exercises, aimed at strengthening individual physical fitness and obedience to instructor’s commands. Throughout the process, the trainees had to push their physical and mental limits, ensuring an accurate execution even under high pressure. In the afternoon, the training entered its final stage, with the trainees diving to a depth of 7 meters underwater through free diving. They were tasked with retrieving the "Golden Dragon Badge," a symbolize of honor, to test their underwater adaptability and the execution preciseness of their mission. Once each trainee successfully completed the task, the UOU Commanding Officer, Colonel CHEN, along with other officers, pinned the "Golden Dragon Badge" on the trainees' chests. This ceremony officially marked them as naval underwater operations specialists, entrusted with the important responsibilities of executing underwater operations, port maintenance, and underwater search and rescue missions in the future. The training content of the Watercraft Specialist Class is rigorous, with all courses designed to cultivate highly skilled professionals in underwater operations. Trainees undergo strict testing in various aspects, including physical training, equipment operation, underwater operation techniques, and crisis response capabilities. Those who pass are equipped with the ability to carry out high-risk underwater missions. This final evaluation not only assessed the trainees' training outcome, but also ensured they professional skills and mental resilience when facing challenges in the future. This is an injection of new talent into the underwater operations capabilities of R.O.C. Armed Forces, making sure that the Navy can execute its missions flawlessly.

To strengthen the battlefield adaptability of officers and soldiers, the 333 Mechanized Infantry Brigade conducted an "Operational Plan Exercise" today. With live troops and military vehicles, the exercise simulated battlefield scenarios to verify the combat readiness and crisis response capabilities of the troops, which demonstrates the determination of the R.O.C. armed forces to defend national security and protect the homeland. This exercise focused on the "anti-airborne assault" subject, assuming scenarios such as "enemy airstrikes," "battlefield casualty evacuation," and "drone attacks and disturbances." Upon receiving the situation reports, officers and soldiers immediately implemented their tactical plans to respond and take action. They then maneuvered to advantageous positions according to the plan, employed firepower and tactical movements skillfully to eliminate the enemy successfully. This exercise aimed to strengthen the professional capabilities of the Combined Arms Battalion (CAB) to effectively respond to the ever-changing dynamics of the battlefield. Private 1st class ZHOU CHUN-JIE, a one-year conscript who participated in the exercise, said that although the training and evaluating process was tough, participating in the actual exercises of the troops allowed him to become familiar with the operation of weapons and equipment. He also learned to adapt to community life and gained valuable experiences and memories throughout his military career.

The Deputy Minister of National Defense, General CHUNG SHU-MING, visited the Kaohsiung area today to inspect and oversee the progress of the Navy's "Weihai Project" and the construction of military dormitories. In addition to recognizing the hard work of the personnel and construction teams involved in the project, he encouraged the relevant departments to fulfill their environmental responsibilities, maintain good relations with neighborhood, and ensure the project is completed timely, safely, and with high quality. The Deputy Minister CHUNG, accompanied by Administrative Deputy Minister, Vice- Admiral HUANG YU-MIN and other related personnel, visited the Zhenghe Camp for an inspection and supervision in the morning. He firstly listened to a progress report on the execution of the "Weihai Project," then inspected the actual situations of the renovation work at the "Zhenghe Dormitory," "Haigong New Village," and "Cihui Ninth Village" and provided working guidance. The Deputy Minister CHUNG stated that the "Weihai Project" is the largest military harbor project of our country in recent years. Once completed, it will meet the support needs for vessel repairs, supply, docking, training, and typhoon precaution. This will enhance the overall combat capability and operational sustainability of the Navy, assist in developing the naval strength and ensuring the maritime borders security and the protection of national sovereignty. The Deputy Minister CHUNG reminded the relevant departments that any project comes with risks. They should objectively assess and filter potential safety hazards based on different environmental and human factors. It is essential to follow measures such as "Standard Operating Procedures," "Dual Supervision and Reporting," and "Analysis of High-Risk Safety Items for the Following Week" to implement effective risk management and achieve the goal of "safety for personnel, operations, and equipment."

In order to strengthen the "actual combat" capabilities of related troops, the 3rd Smoke Screen Company of the Smoke Screen Battalion, 39th Chemical Group, recently carried out the "Base Operations Plan and Combat Readiness Mission Evaluation." Despite challenging weather conditions, the officers and soldiers demonstrated excellent teamwork and successfully completed various tests, enhancing their professional capabilities in operational support. The troops completed assembly at midnight and immediately transferred to the surrounding beaches of a southern port to carry out support operations of smoke screen during the counterflak phase. Before the dawn, the officers and soldiers established an extensive smoke screen successfully by operating the M3A3 mechanical smoke generators to cover the troops’ movements and complete the mission perfectly. Sergeant TSAI of the 3rd Smoke Screen Company of the Smoke Screen Battalion stated that this evaluation is not only a training results verification of the officers and soldiers', but also a test of the team's cohesion. From the deployment of smoke generators to logistical support, every detail is interconnected. As the leader of smoke screen squad, it is essential to lead the team, continuously improve professional skills, and demonstrate the combat support capabilities of chemical group.

On the morning of January 21, 2025, President Lai Ching-te visited military units in Taitung, including the Army Taitung Regional Command, Navy Fugang Radar Station, and the Air Force 7th Tactical Fighter Wing. The President expressed his deep appreciation for the steadfast dedication of the military in safeguarding national security, allowing citizens to enjoy a peaceful and secure Lunar New Year. He emphasized that the government will continue to provide substantial resources to support the armed forces, pledging to be their most reliable and steadfast ally. Additionally, President Lai urged both the ruling and opposition parties to unite in their support for national defense, particularly in strengthening the defense budget and ensuring the welfare of all military personnel. During his visit, President Lai began by inspecting the Army Taitung Regional Command, where he observed combat readiness exercises conducted by the forces stationed there. He then proceeded to the Navy Fugang Radar Station to review maritime operations. Using the rapid communication system, President Lai engaged in a conversation with officers aboard the Frigate ROCS Si Ning (PFG-1203), thanking them for their continued efforts in patrolling Taiwan’s territorial waters and defending its maritime borders, ensuring the safety and security of the country. In his remarks, President Lai acknowledged the harsh winter maritime conditions in Taiwan, urging all military personnel to exercise cautiously and prioritize their safety while carrying out their duties. He also extended his heartfelt wishes for a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year to all personnel, expressing hopes for good fortune and smooth progress in the Year of the Snake. Following his visits to the Army and Navy, President Lai traveled to the Air Force 7th Tactical Fighter Wing, where he received a briefing on the T-BE5A Brave Eagle and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, along with the wing’s current missions and operational capabilities. During his time with the personnel, the President expressed his gratitude and presented bonuses, spring couplets, red envelopes, and lucky bags as tokens of appreciation for their dedication and hard work. In his address, President Lai emphasized that his visit was not only to observe the military’s routine training but to personally represent the gratitude of all Taiwanese citizens for the military’s unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s security. He commended the military for their diligence and responsibility, noting that the nation’s defense is in capable hands, with dedicated personnel from all branches of the armed forces, both at home and abroad. President Lai further noted the recent transition of the 7th Squadron into a tactical fighter wing, which included the acquisition of the latest F-16V fighter jets as part of ongoing military modernization efforts. He praised both the pilots and ground crew for their collaboration during the transition period, ensuring that Taiwan’s eastern airspace remains secure. President Lai also assured the public that the military will continue to play a critical role in protecting Taiwan’s sovereignty and maintaining regional peace and stability. The President took the opportunity to address the growing regional challenges posed by the increased ambitions of authoritarian regimes, particularly China, which has escalated its aggressive and destabilizing actions in recent years. He reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to defending democracy, peace, and prosperity, underlining that Taiwan cannot place its trust in the goodwill of others alone but must rely on its strength to secure lasting peace. In conclusion, President Lai reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to supporting the military through continued investment in defense resources, research, and development. He called for bipartisanship in supporting national defense and emphasized that, as international conditions continue to evolve, Taiwan must stand united in its defense of peace and democracy. The President also took a moment to thank all military personnel for their tireless efforts during the holiday season, ensuring that citizens could celebrate the Lunar New Year in peace. As the Lunar New Year approaches, President Lai extends his warmest wishes for health, happiness, and success in the coming year. He urged all military personnel on duty, particularly those from Taitung, to take time to connect with their families, offering his thanks for their sacrifices. The President was accompanied by the Secretary of National Security Council-General Wu Chao-hsieh, Deputy Secretary-General Liu Te-jin, Minister of National Defense Gu Li-xiong, Chief of Army General Lu, Chief of Air Force General Zheng, Deputy Chief of Navy General Ma, and other senior officials during the visit.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Minister of National Defense, Gu Lixiong, visited remote military units located in high-altitude regions today to extend his appreciation to the soldiers maintaining their posts. He commended their relentless efforts in executing missions around the clock, ensuring the protection of maritime and airspace domains, closely monitoring regional developments, and safeguarding the security of the Taiwan Strait. In the morning, Minister Gu visited Navy and Air Force units, where he was briefed on their operational readiness and recent major mission accomplishments. Representing President and Commander-in-Chief, Lai Ching-te, Minister Gu expressed his sincere gratitude to the personnel for their dedication. He also took the opportunity to observe the living conditions at the military base and personally inquired about the well-being of the soldiers while providing guidance on their tasks. Minister Gu emphasized the exceptional performance of soldiers stationed in remote and high-altitude areas, where they continue to execute joint intelligence and surveillance operations under challenging conditions. He acknowledged their unwavering commitment to national defense and their resolute belief in protecting the security of the nation. Special recognition was given to the soldiers for their perseverance in overcoming difficulties such as harsh terrain, weather, and living conditions during mission execution, contributing significantly to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. During his visit, Minister Gu engaged with the soldiers, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their current situation. He underscored the Ministry of National Defense's ongoing efforts to improve service conditions and enhance operational effectiveness, ensuring that the soldiers can carry out their responsibilities in a better working environment. In addition, to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication, Minister Gu arranged for hotpot meal kits to be distributed to the soldiers, creating a warm and festive atmosphere ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year. Minister Gu also encouraged all personnel to remain vigilant and continue to closely monitor the situation during the Lunar New Year period. He reminded the soldiers to prioritize their health while on duty and expressed his hope that they would enjoy quality time with their families during their scheduled holiday leave.

The "2025 Chinese New Year Combat Readiness Enhancement Media Visit Program" concluded its final day today. This morning, media representatives were invited to the Navy's Zuoying Base, where they embarked on naval vessels to observe live military exercises and gain insight into the training and preparedness of the Navy personnel. The exercise featured the use of surveillance radar and unmanned vehicles to simulate the detection and tracking of potential threats in the southwest maritime region. Mobile missile units swiftly deployed to tactical positions, engaged targets after launch, and coordinated with high-performance vessels, including missile boats such as the Kuang Hua VI-class Missile Boat, which urgently deployed to engage maritime targets. This operation integrated both naval and shore-based forces to execute coastal strike operations. Additionally, the domestically built Dawu-class Rescue and Salvage Ship made its debut, showcasing its maneuverability and underwater rescue capabilities, including the deployment of a diving bell. Simultaneously, the Underwater Operations Unit, utilizing the newly inaugurated "Mercury Camp" diving training center, conducted ship-lifting exercises with diving bells and buoyancy bags, as well as underwater welding and cutting drills. Rear Admiral Chen, Commander of the 192nd Fleet, remarked that today's media participation allowed reporters to gain a firsthand understanding of the current operational status of frontline naval personnel. He expressed confidence that the experience left a lasting impression on the media attendees. In light of the ongoing gray-zone threat posed by the People's Republic of China, the Navy remains committed to enhancing its combined peacetime and wartime training. Through direct media coverage, the Navy aims to demonstrate its steadfast commitment to maintaining combat readiness. The Navy will continue to exert every effort to safeguard the security of the Republic of China’s maritime territories.

President Lai Ching-te today presided over the 114th New Year's Day flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Office of the Republic of China. The theme of the event was "Made in Taiwan, Moving Towards the Future." Military and civilian representatives, led by a representative from the Chinese National Federation of Industries, sang the national anthem together, demonstrating their love and recognition for the country through action. As the anthem played, the national flag, featuring the blue sky, white sun, and red field, slowly rose, marking the arrival of the new year. Minister of National Defense, Mr. Gu Lixiong, led the ceremony at dawn, accompanied by Chief of Staff General Mei, Deputy Ministers of Military Affairs Mr. Bo Honghui and General Xu, along with representatives from various military branches, including students from nine military academies: the Army, Navy, Air Force, National Defense University Political Warfare College, College of Management, College of Science and Technology, National Defense Medical Center, Army Academy R.O.C., and Air Force Institute of Technology. They participated in the ceremony, expressing their devotion to the country. The Ministry of National Defense highlighted that this year, the Ministry of National Defense Symphony Orchestra and the Tri-Service Honor Guard coordinated with the theme of the event, "Made in Taiwan, Moving Towards the Future" performing five pieces, including Striding Forward, Heart of Oak, Hands Across the Sea March, Royal Australian Navy March, and Guoguang March. The band’s performance, along with the honor guard’s parade routine and rifle movement, showcased the military's strength and morale, displaying the confidence and pride of the Republic of China’s armed forces as they welcomed the start of the 114th year of the Republic of China.

To help the public understand the effectiveness of paratrooper training, the Ministry of National Defense invited media representatives to the Army Airborne Training Center for two days to film various training programs of the paratrooper unit, including Basic Parachute Training, VR Parachute Simulator, and Airborne Jump Training. The media was also given the opportunity to experience the challenging Tower Training course, which involves a 34-foot tower designed to test one’s fear of heights, providing a firsthand experience of the hardships and courage required for paratrooper training. This event also demonstrated the military’s achievements in Technology-assisted Training. The media traveled in the morning in C-130H transport aircraft to Da Sheng Xi Campsite, known as the "Home of Paratroopers," where they filmed soldiers undergoing basic parachute training. The training included five major stations: Parachute Landing Fall, Swing Landing, Aircraft Body Training, "Suspension Training," and Tower Jump Training. These stations allow recruits to build a solid foundation through a progressive, rigorous, and disciplined training process. Next, to showcase the results of the military’s Technology-assisted Training, the media visited the VR Parachute Simulator training. Using virtual reality combined with computer systems, sensors, and suspension devices, the simulator replicates various parachuting scenarios, including different types of parachute gear and jump situations. Training courses for basic parachuting, infiltration to groundwater at high altitude, and rough terrain jumps are set for different teams. This not only improves soldiers' reaction time in handling emergencies during jumps but also significantly enhances training safety. Airborne Training Center explained that after completing Basic Parachute Training and VR Parachute Simulator training, recruits will proceed with four daytime jumps and one nighttime jump. During this phase, they will apply the skills learned on the ground and familiarize themselves with jump procedures during actual airborne exercises. Once recruits complete five airborne training jumps from 1,250 feet, they will be awarded the Basic Paratrooper Badge, officially becoming paratroopers. Notably, the media was also invited to take part in the most daring ground training exercise for paratroopers—the Tower Training. Journalists took up the challenge eagerly, standing at the edge of the 34-foot high tower, the ultimate test of overcoming a fear of heights. After leaping from the tower, they loudly recited: "One second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds, check canopy, check surroundings, prepare to land." The thrilling experience excited the journalists and further affirmed the results of the military's rigorous and intensive training program.

The first batch of M1A2T tanks containing thirty-eight tanks, purchased by Taiwan from the United States, was unloaded at Taipei Port on the early morning of the 16th of December. They were then transported by heavy-duty trailers to the Army Armored Corps Training Command. The tanks were offloaded later around 8 a.m., marking the first time this type of tank was revealed publicly in Taiwan.