Taipei: Taiwan has officially abolished its dual-track reservist training system, compelling all reservists to engage in a 14-day intensive training regimen, as detailed in a Ministry of National Defense (MND) report presented to lawmakers.

According to Focus Taiwan, the dual-track system, implemented in 2022, initially offered reservists the choice between a traditional five to seven-day training over four sessions in eight years or a more concentrated 14-day training conducted twice in the same timeframe. This change aimed to bolster the combat readiness of reservists, ensuring they could effectively support Taiwan's regular military forces amidst heightened Chinese military activities around the island.

The MND's latest report, submitted on Monday, confirmed that as of January, reservists no longer have the option to choose between training programs. The current mandate requires all reservists to partake in 14 days of training, with a possibility of being called up for up to four such sessions within an eight-year span.

The report did not address whether Taiwan currently possesses the necessary personnel or munitions to support the implementation of this intensive training program, a concern that was raised when the initiative initially launched.

Additionally, the MND is examining relevant legislation to evaluate the feasibility of mandating reservist training for discharged female military personnel alongside their male counterparts. Presently, regular reservist training is obligatory only for male veterans, a policy criticized for potential gender discrimination. Female veterans have the option to participate in the training voluntarily.

In Taiwan, men are required to fulfill compulsory military service and reservist duties, whereas women can voluntarily enlist in the armed forces as personnel or officers.