Report by Youth Daily News reporters Sun Chien-ping and Li Cheng-hsun, from Kaohsiung
The “114th Year Joint Induction Training for the Armed Forces’ Nine Academies” conducted its shock education program yesterday. Under the leadership of their drill instructors, the recruits passed through a series of obstacles, including high-wire nets and outer trenches, demonstrating individual combat techniques, physical endurance, and determination—symbolizing their transformation from civilians into soldiers. During the course, simulated battlefield conditions were created through coordinated use of machine-gun blank fire and TNT explosive charges, effectively enhancing recruits’ stress resilience and mental fortitude under combat pressure.
To assess the effectiveness of the combat skills training, the first shock education session of the joint induction program was carried out yesterday, with the female recruits’ company leading the way. They successively handled simulated scenarios such as enemy artillery and gas attacks, high-wire nets, casualty evacuation, outer trenches, rooftop barbed-wire obstacles, and final assaults. The entire training was supplemented by TNT detonations, machine-gun blanks, and various smoke grenades to create a realistic battlefield atmosphere and strengthen psychological endurance.
“Squad One, attention—advance for attack!” At the order, the recruits swiftly crossed the line of departure. When a gas attack scenario was announced, they immediately hit the ground and donned protective masks within nine seconds, moving quickly through the hazardous zone. While crawling beneath high-wire nets amid the thunderous blasts of TNT charges and clouds of dust, the recruits pressed forward with firm resolve, displaying fearless determination and proving that women are every bit as capable as their male counterparts.
Next, recruits employed canvas bridges, grappling ropes, and V-shaped ladders to rapidly cross outer trenches. After negotiating the rooftop barbed-wire obstacle, they charged up the hill to complete the shock education exercise. Upon finishing all stages, many recruits were moved to tears, embracing one another in celebration of their collective effort and demonstrating a strong bond of comradeship.
Air Force Academy recruit Lien Yu-ling remarked that successfully completing the shock education was possible thanks to the rigorous daily training and the mutual support among her fellow trainees. She expressed great pride in her team. Management College recruit Wu Szu-hua shared that she often sustained bruises and scrapes from climbing and collisions during the drills, yet regarded these marks as badges of honor symbolizing her hard training. She added that she would continue to work hard and face future challenges with courage.