TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Reservists took part in the Han Kuang 41 drills Friday by simulating the defense of essential supplies against Chinese saboteurs.
The 206th Infantry Brigade was deployed to a temple in Taoyuan’s Luzhu District where its task was to prevent Chinese spies and special agents from destroying ammunition and other military materiel, per CNA. The task would be essential if the Chinese conducted a successful landing on the coast.
Reservists started to register with the brigade on July 5, with their total number projected to reach 3,000. The government pledged to make the training of reservists more practical, making them handle weapons and face realistic battlefield situations.
Experts noted the reservists performed well despite unfavorable weather conditions in Taoyuan Friday. After just six days of training, they had dispelled doubts about how fast civilians could be turned into effective soldiers, said Chieh Chung (揭仲) of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research.
The latest round of the annual Han Kuang drills will last an unprecedented 10 days and nine nights, and for the first time includes urban resilience exercises and shelter training at supermarkets.
