TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Almost 1,800 students from four high schools and a vocational school in Taipei joined live-fire shooting exercises at a military firing range this weekend.

The firing exercises, hosted by the 66th Marine Brigade, were the culmination of a semester-long course for high schoolers to raise awareness of national defense issues, reported CNA. In addition to defense skills training, students also learned about different career paths offered by the armed services.

The rifle exercises saw 1,791 students take part on Sunday, with female students accounting for almost 40% of participants, according to the education ministry. Many students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the nation’s military and gain real experience with firearms.

Huaxing High School Principal Tseng Teng-long (曾騰瀧), who also took part in the exercises, thanked the ministry and the marines for organizing the event. Through practical experience, students can better understand national security issues and improve their focus and discipline, Tseng said.

The education ministry plans to continue expanding similar course offerings and experiences to more schools across the country, per CNA. The government hopes to raise public awareness of national defense issues and introduce new technologies to students through the courses.