Taiwan plans new defence agency to better prepare military reservists to step up in a war
- Reserve force has been criticised for being unable to replace the regular force in the event of a conflict because of inadequate training
- Defence ministry says PLA is a growing threat to the island given its capabilities in cyber and electronic warfare and communication jamming
Under the proposal, which must be reviewed and approved by the legislature, the defence ministry has budgeted NT$258 million (US$9.3 million) to finance the new agency. It will open on January 1 in line with legislation approved in May for the formation of the agency to overhaul the island’s system for assembling and preparing reservists.
The agency, which will replace the Armed Forces Reserve Command, will design mobilisation-related measures and coordinate with relevant authorities to build up and organise a combat-ready reserve force, according to the proposal.
Through existing military exchange platforms, the agency will engage in exchange programmes with the US. Its responsibility includes sending officers for visits and small group resident training to learn how to strengthen the supervision and call-up of the island’s reserve force, the proposal stated.