Conscription for all but initial training is ending in Taiwan:
Men born after 1994 will only have to receive four months of military training as opposed to 12 months starting from this year, as part of the transition to an all-voluntary armed forces. ...
Starting this year, the number of volunteer soldiers will increase and eventually make up the majority of those serving in Taiwan's military.
Britain and America led the way in demonstrating the proficiency of volunteer armies well trained in their craft in contrast to draftees just doing their time. Taiwan is moving to that model, with brigades replacing more cumbersome divisions. This will make it possible for Taiwanese troops to quickly move against Chinese units coming ashore or dropping from planes. Assuming the troops receive the training, of course.
In addition, providing basic training to each year's class of young men will provide a pool of reservists to man checkpoints in the rear and perform guard duty--all jobs that are a waste of well-trained combat forces.
Again, good in concept. Hopefully the Taiwanese can make the transition from a conscript army to a volunteer army and reap the benefits of the latter.
