The military's 586th Armored Brigade and 333rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade conducted the second day of the Chang Tai (長泰) 19 military exercises in Changhua County today, as the Ministry of National Defense addressed reports that more than 30 military vehicles had broken down.
More than 4,000 troops, about 1,900 from each brigade as well as support and command center staff, are participating in the Chang Tai 19 exercises.
The exercises, which started yesterday, are scheduled to continue until Friday, although they may be shortened due to Typhoon Kong-rey.
Photo: CNA
However, reports have surfaced that more than 30 military vehicles, including tanks, experienced breakdowns since the exercises began.
An army spokesperson told a news conference today that they were part of typical operational scenarios.
Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Chen Chien-yi (陳建義) said that the reports were inaccurate regarding the number of breakdowns.
During real combat, quick reactions to unexpected issues are necessary, he said.
The central command posts surprise soldiers with unexpected scenarios to test their flexibility, Chen said.
He also added that the command centers are closely monitoring the typhoon and would adjust the schedule as necessary to protect the troops and maintain operational requirements.
Incorporating lessons learned from the Han Kuang drills in July, live-fire night-time drills are being held for the first time during the Chang Tai exercises.
Additionally, for the first time, the drills called up reservists as part of their 14-day training period.
The two brigades are engaging in offensive and defensive mock combat operations, deploying hundreds of tanks and artillery pieces in an unscripted exercise to see how units can adapt to combat scenarios.
The drills focus on the participating brigades and their respective command centers, seeking to train not only combat troops, but also their commanders and chiefs-of-staff.
Both brigades would play the role of attacking and defending forces to increase their familiarity with different tactics and operations.
A major focus of the exercise has been night-time operations, with the ministry going as far as to issue orders at 2am while units were resting, which meant they needed to quickly mobilize again.
The drills cover not only maneuvers from each brigade, but also intelligence, command, logistical support and joint combat tactics, such as chemical troops deploying smoke to provide cover and officers calling in air support from helicopters and drones.
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