Defense Ministry explains decision to delay conversion to all-volunteer force (2013/09/13)
The Defense Ministry is facing a backlash from thousands of young men who will be conscripted due to the delay of an all-volunteer military. Today it defended its decision, made because of poor recruitment, and emphasized that the move is only a delay, not a change in policy.
Wang Tien-de Director, Defense Ministry Personnel Management According to the announcement of Military Service Law Articles 25 and 34, after next year, those born after (Jan. 1) 1994 will undergo a four-month military training program. Those born before (Dec. 31) 1993, who have yet to complete their service or alternative service, will see no change in the one-year policy.
The Defense Ministry held a press conference today to explain its decision to delay the implementation of an all-volunteer military force by two years. This announcement elicited an immediate response from future military conscripts, a group that numbers some 60,000 young men. Unfortunately, today’s press conference not only failed to calm them, but also led many to question if President Ma Ying-jeou was going back on his promise to implement an all-volunteer force.
Ma Ying-jeou (Sept. 2, 2008) President In the next four to six years, we expect to completely transition to an all-volunteer military. The Defense Ministry stepped forward once again to make another clarification.
Wang Tien-de Director, Defense Ministry Personnel Management The military will continue to actively implement an all-volunteer force and increase the number of recruits. It has not changed its policy nor gone back on its word. It has only adjusted the timeframe.
The Defense Ministry also hopes to entice more recruits by offering salaries that are double the minimum wage, though the bill was just submitted to the Cabinet and is being deliberated.
留言列表
留言列表
資料庫 (9)
