Taiwanese React To Extension of Mandatory Military Service | Street Interview

Did you know that Taiwan has mandatory military service? Currently, all Taiwanese men over the age of 18 have to serve in the military for four months, but Taiwan is now considering extending this period amid growing concerns over China’s military pressure. So, should Taiwan extend its mandatory military service period? And what’s it like serving in Taiwan’s military in the first place?

We do not have any political affiliations and are neither left or right. The opinions expressed in this video are those of individual interviewees alone and do not reflect the views of ASIAN BOSS or the general Taiwanese population.

0:00 - Intro
1:40 - Why is Taiwan considering extending the duration of the service period?
2:49 - Do you think extending the mandatory military service is a good idea?
6:08 - Have you served in the military? What was it like?
7:59 - Do you think women should also serve in the military?
10:29 - Do you think Taiwan could defend itself if it extended the serving period and included women?
11:39 - In the event of war, do you believe the US would assist Taiwan and send troops?
13:17 - What else do you think Taiwan could prepare for a potential invasion?

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[lolbudie]

I have been in both the Taiwanese Army and US Army. I was in the Taiwanese Army as mandatory not voluntary for a year. I can say that the Taiwanese mandatory service sucks and it's a waste of time and tax money. Most people I met there were kids that couldn't even hit targets with their rifles and the training was pathetic. It felt like a really bad summer camp and a serious waste of time. Taiwan's military is better off offering better wages, benefits, and training to attract people into voluntary service to improve morale and combat effectiveness.

Also, what's the point of going to "service" for 4 months. The 4 month service idea is a completely waste of tax money. You have people who can't even do their job properly having been in for 1 year how do you expect people to know what they are doing from 4 months of "training".

[jbkxx]

In Switzerland it’s Mandatory for men, but soon for women.

[NewBambooCity]

One of the people in the video is Eric Huang. A high ranking member of Taiwans opposition party, not a random street interview. Super big journalistic dishonesty on the part of Asian Boss

[liamcore]

The U.S. did a number of studies about this and why U.S. conscripts and national guardsmen had 79% higher casualty rate in vietnam vs volunteer troops. There were numerous reasons, but they realized that ingrained soldier skills through constant training don't really start kicking in for most people until the 2 year mark. I agree with most of the former soldiers being interviewed that 4 months is a complete waste of time.

[melmelexplores]

4 months seem a tad short for military service. In Singapore, men 18 and over serves mandatory National Service for 2 full years. They have their Basic Military Training for 2 months before going into their specialised vocation units to continue their service.

We also have the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps where people with no National Service Obligations can opt in to undergo training and to assist in different deployments.

[idgeek]

4 months?! what can you do in a mere 4 months?! (from a guy who serves 30 months mandatory Republic of Korea military)

[SeanSu]

Can Asian Boss explain why a random street interview would have high-ranking KMT official, Eric Huang 黃裕鈞, interviewed at length here? This, after the big scandal of partisan interviews in Taiwan and demanding directors sift specific viewpoints that are totally not natural?

[rifledog]

As a once US Marine 4 months is the period of time it took for us to go through our basic and combat training. You need additional time to train beyond that and learn the customs and practices involved in service. 1 year is still a very short time. On enlistment in US Marines you serve 4 years and 2 additional in a "ready reserve" state in which you can be called up. 4 months is not adequate period of time to be prepared for any combat experience. Pre-deployment training alone was roughly 4 months on top of all other training. Something more like South Korea seems appropriate. Also it sounds like the training itself could use some advancement. No weather delays in the Marines. haha

[kobet]

4 months seems incredibly short. There is no way you can go from civilian to a professional solider back to civilian in 4 months

[diversejoe]

Taiwanese people: this is so unfair

South Korea citizens: *First time?*

[sevenproxies]

Four months is not "too long". In fact it's not nearly enough to make a functioning soldier.

You need between 6 to 12 months at the very least.

[joonyt]

Mandatory military duty- North Korea 10 years, Israel 2 years 8 months, South Korea 1 year 6-9 months depending on branch.

[kevindst]

As a Taiwanese I think the priority of enhancing our country's military would be to improve the quality of the combat training, not prolong the period. No matter it's four months or two years it would still be useless if the soldiers are constantly sweeping the floor, cutting the grass inside (that's what I heard what it's like inside)

[eliasgc]

Wtf 4 months is nothing here in Singapore men above 18 are required to serve for 22-24 months

[isola]

Meet the US's expectations? I just know Taiwan is colony of US.

[Danandsan]

As a Singaporean, serving in the military for a good 1yr-2yr is an insurance policy for the nation. You might not and hope not to use it but when the bad times comes, you will be glad you took it. Its important to view this military service as protecting your love ones rather than a waste of time.

[pkgod]

As Taiwanese, I think it's seriously stupid that it was shortened to 4 months in the first place. You can't learn anything and there was barely anything. I'm pretty sure there is a lot of money spent on the military every year as well, but how much was embezzled is another question. The DPP is just corrupt as hell. The equipment also is seriously lacking in maintenance. Especially when there is like 1 helicopter or fighter crashing or malfunctioning during take-off or flying like every 3 months, it's totally a joke. Especially when a Black Hawk crashes and kills an important General in the Taiwan military 2 years ago.

[ewi]

The US government only cares about a long war that will help the arms makers boost their revenues. Like what the Raytheon boss said, the Ukraine war is great news.
US may not send troops to Taiwan, but plenty armaments will be sent there to help fight against China till the last Taiwanese.
Hope Taiwan uses diplomacy and not be manipulated into fighting a war that will destroy all the progress they have.
Talk about peace, not about war. That's what the arms makers want, don't let them have it.

[zwarth]

Asian Boss interviews political party official (黃裕鈞) in Taiwan and doesn't disclose that fact

[vanking]

I watched until 8:40 marks, as a US citizen, I would not defend Taiwan, the response here showed Taiwanese had no real motivation to defend their home land. It’s the reasons why we left Afghanistan.