TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND) cited legal, safety, and operational concerns in a Thursday (July 18) report evaluating the establishment of public shooting ranges.

The report highlighted Article 5 of the Firearms, Ammunition, and Knives Control Act, which prohibits civilians from purchasing ammunition or operating firearms. Regarding safety, it emphasized that target practice is high-risk for trained military personnel who follow strict regulations under constant supervision, per CNA.

“Civilians who haven't undergone the necessary training could lead to unclear liability,” the report said. The report also pointed to potential interference with troop training.

With the return to one year of compulsory military service, more conscripts are undergoing training at any given time. The updated training regime, which prioritizes small arms training, has dramatically increased the usage of shooting ranges.

Sharing these ranges with civilians would disrupt essential target practice for troops. Furthermore, the report noted that assigning personnel to supervise civilian target practice would divert resources from other duties.

The MND expressed openness to collaborating with the Ministry of Interior on alternative solutions if public demand for target practice persists. The MND report responded to a request from the Legislative Yuan to evaluate the feasibility of public shooting ranges.

During the 2024 fiscal year budget review, the Legislative Yuan acknowledged the national all-out defense policy but noted the lack of public access to shooting ranges for firearms skills development, which relies on practice. Citing the low interest in existing MND target practice programs for reservists, the Legislative Yuan requested the evaluation.