Faced with the geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan has been enhancing its national defense capacity and combat readiness. With the launch of reservist training programs, many veterans have reported for duty, with some volunteering even if they had not been called up.
Last week, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) visited the Taoyuan Reserve Command and cheered the reservists. For the first time, female veterans were taking part in the program, marking a significant milestone in the history of the nation’s reserve forces.
On Armed Forces Day last year, I retired from the military and volunteered to become a reservist. The regulations concerning retired female officers’ status are still under discussion. A proposed amendment would automatically make them part of the reserve forces upon retirement.
It was heartening to see female veterans answering the call and taking part in last week’s training even before legislative changes are made. Although the program was only a trial and there were only 14 women participating, this can only have a positive outcome and boost military morale. The 14 women’s passion in defending the nation is a perfect demonstration of Tsai’s statement: “Taiwan is on the front line defending democracy, and [Taiwanese] regardless of gender must be united and demonstrate to the world our resolve to defend our country.”
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, the world has seen how Kyiv has survived this asymmetric warfare. Ukrainians have come together and refused to give up. The entire nation has been mobilized, with everyone contributing their resources in a timely manner.
Aside from Ukraine’s armed forces, the National Guard of Ukraine — the nation’s reserves — and the Territorial Force — organized by civilians — have held their positions and fought the enemy. Thousands of Ukrainian women voluntarily joined these units. Many are not only soldiers, but also mothers, wives and daughters. Many have worked as models, teachers and athletes, and now they are fighting for their country.
The ways in which Ukraine has mobilized reservists and civilians have taught the world a lesson. Several countries, including Taiwan, have launched reforms to better deploy veterans and reservists. The response of many Taiwanese veterans to the government’s call to duty, especially among female veterans, deserves our respect. Like their male counterparts, female reservists had to leave their families or workplaces during training, returning to the frenetic pace of military life and engaging in combat training. “Women power” is the strong force sustaining our country and families.
The military must have gained valuable experience from the trial program, thanks to the nation’s female veterans. The program proved that women are more than qualified to participate in such training. Next time, more female veterans and officials across ranks should be able to join the program. The training period could be extended from five days to seven days, or even to 14 days.
Female veterans are not afraid at all and can serve as an encouragement and inspiration to their male colleagues.
May is the month to celebrate mothers. I would like to express my gratitude to female veterans and officials for their contributions to the country. Inherent in them is a gentle and yet determined strength. Our country is fortunate to have them.
Chang Ling-ling is a retired colonel in the armed forces reserves. She is a resident of New Taipei City.
Translated by Emma Liu
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