Military Service Celebration and Awards Ceremony

        The Ministry of National Defense recently held the “83rd Military Service Day Commendation and Awards Ceremony in 2026,” co-hosted by Minister of National Defense Wellington Gu and Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang. The ceremony recognized personnel and units for their outstanding performance in conscription, troop replenishment, and recruitment. This year, three exemplary units were honored, including the New Taipei City Reserve Command, along with five distinguished officers, including Colonel Chang of the Nantou County Reserve Command, and four outstanding soldiers from the Ministry, including Corporal Wu Cheng-en. Medals and plaques were presented by Ministers Gu and Liu in recognition of their dedication and contributions.

        Minister Gu stated that “military service administration” forms the foundation of national defense readiness. Whether through the one-year compulsory service or alternative service integrated into the civil defense system, it requires coordinated resources from both central and local governments, as well as active participation from communities and civil organizations. By honoring outstanding officers, soldiers, reserve mobilization units, and military service stations, the Ministry expresses gratitude for their long-term dedication and for continuously strengthening military-civilian cooperation. Such collaborative efforts enable effective responses during major national disasters and help maintain social stability. He emphasized that military service administration is not only a vital component of national security but also a key pillar of societal development. He urged conscripts to carry the skills from military service into their future, further contributing to national security and societal advancement.

        Minister Liu pointed out that the military service system is the foundation of manpower development for national security. Frontline units’ achievements underpin national defense and societal resilience. Over the past year, under President Lai’s “National Social Defense Resilience” initiative, more than 110,000 disaster prevention personnel have been trained, and in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense, over 10 million copies of the Taiwan National Safety Guide have been printed and distributed nationwide to promote awareness of civil defense. This demonstrates that national defense is a shared duty of all citizens, not just military and alternative service personnel, and is strengthened through grassroots efforts over time.