Taiwan's civilian defence chief sparks controversy over reforms

Out with goose-step marching, bayonet drills; focus to be on practical training

- Yip Wai Yee

No more goose-step marching. No more bayonet training.

It has not yet been a month since Taiwan's new Defence Minister Wellington Koo, its first civilian defence chief in more than a decade, took office but he has already introduced several controversial changes.

While some have applauded Mr Koo for making what they say are necessary reforms for modern warfare, critics have attacked him for being unfamiliar with military culture and tradition.

Goose-step marching, usually demonstrated during military parades, refers to the marching style of not bending the knee while swinging the leg off the ground.

"We want to emphasise practical training," said Mr Koo, describing bayonet training and the goosestep march as ceremonial "formalities" during a parliamentary hearing on June 6.

On June 14, he told reporters that discussions are ongoing for the implementation of a new set of closequarters combat drills, to replace traditional bayonet training.

It is believed that the centennial celebration on June 16 for the Taiwan Military Academy, the service academy for the island's army, was possibly the last time that the goose-stepping march was on display.

Mr Koo, 66, taking over from retired army general Chiu Kuocheng, who served in the previous Tsai Ing-wen government, has also lifted curbs on commanding officers and their deputies taking leave at the same time, and is allowing military personnel to travel abroad more freely.

Previously, military personnel were allowed to go overseas only on group tours. The rule was in place for years to prevent potential leaks of confidential military information, which is supposedly easier when a serviceman is travelling alone.