Taiwan Announces Major Defense Reforms! Newly Appointed Minister of National Defense of the Republic of China Declares Elimination of Bayonet Techniques and Required Leave Reporting for Service Members

The newly appointed Minister of National Defense of the Republic of China, Koo Li-Hsiung, made his first report and faced questions at the Legislative Yuan, where Democratic Progressive Party legislator Puma Shen raised concerns about tactical training and management. In his response, Koo made it clear that all elements unfit for close-quarters combat training, such as traditional bayonet attack techniques, will be removed from the training curriculum. Regarding reform of the military leave system, he also stated that the daily reporting requirement would be canceled, shifting to a needs-based reporting system. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on reinforcing relevant precautions while leaving the barracks, reaffirming a focus on combat training.

During discussions on the centennial celebration of the Army Academy, Koo emphasized that the celebration would center around the students, with the march-past segment being canceled to focus on the core aspects of tactical training. He mentioned that although the students had been training for the march-past for several months, out of respect for decisions made by the former Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, future celebrations will employ “quick march” instead of the march-past.

Koo further elaborated on his stance regarding close-quarters combat training, stressing that military training should focus on practical application and eliminate excessively formalistic training items to ensure alignment with the essence of tactical training.

Regarding the leave reporting system for service members, Shen Po-yang mentioned the issue of talent outflow facing the military and the impact of the current leave reporting system on service members’ rest time. Koo responded that the requirement for daily reporting would be abolished, focusing on reporting when actually needed. Additionally, education and reminders would help service members pay attention to safety when leaving the base, returning to the fundamental duty of focusing on tactical training.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense announced revisions to the rules for going abroad, allowing military personnel to undertake self-organized trips provided they submit detailed travel plans, including itineraries, flight, and accommodation proofs. If participating in a tour group, the original contract with the travel agency and the itinerary arrangement need to be provided. Minister Koo explained today that, in controlling personnel with access to classified information, practices similar to those of the American military will be adopted, specifically conducting security screenings and personnel control based on the level of classified information accessed rather than military rank. The first phase has been completed, and the next phase will now begin. Koo mentioned in his first appearance at the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee session at the Legislative Yuan today that the Ministry of Defense will still develop measures to prevent infiltration, ensuring the implementation of secrecy and counter-espionage measures. He added that management measures for personnel with access to classified information would model those of the U.S. military, with security screenings and controls based on the level of access to classified information. The initial expansion of security screening has recently been completed, and the second phase of security screening work will commence.