Taiwan has introduced a new military training plan for its conscripts to make them better fighters. Starting this year, conscripts will be organized into full battalion-level units and take part in the Lien Yung live-fire exercises. These drills combine air, land, and sea forces, giving conscripts real battlefield experience alongside professional soldiers. The government sees this as a big change. A defence official said, “This is about turning garrison units – usually made up of conscripts – into something that can actually fight with the main force.” The focus is no longer just holding ground but fighting as part of a combined-arms team. Taiwan restored one-year conscription in 2024, replacing a previous four-month system. Conscripts now get eight weeks of basic training plus 44 weeks of specialist training on modern weapons like drones and anti-armour rockets. The new policy groups conscripts into infantry battalions that train with professional units to secure key areas while main forces attack. The approach is like a “hammer and anvil,” where conscripts hold enemy forces steady and professionals hit hard. Su Tzu-yun, a defence analyst, said, “This is the first time Taiwan is trying to make conscripts part of a real combined-arms kill chain.” The ruling Democratic Progressive Party supports the plan. Legislator Wang Ting-yu said, “Now they are being trained under US-style, highly live-fire realistic conditions.” He added such training will produce well-prepared reservists. However, experts warn of challenges. Training space is limited to two main bases, and leadership shortages could hurt troop readiness. Professor Chieh Chung said, “Most conscript battalions will end up training near their garrisons, with only the final evaluation done at a proper base,” risking poor preparedness. Max Lo, another analyst, warned one year may be too short for full combat readiness. He said, “Poorly prepared conscripts could become a burden rather than an asset in combat.” Low pay is also causing trained soldiers to leave, affecting future training. Taiwan’s low birth rate adds pressure, as the number of conscripts is expected to rise sharply by 2029. Experts question if the military can expand quickly enough. Public support is also slipping. Surveys show a majority may be unwilling to fight or die for Taiwan in a war, raising tough questions about morale. Amid rising threats from Beijing, Taiwan hopes better training and integration will boost its defence strength. Whether it will be enough remains to be seen.