TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Cabinet released a report on Saturday detailing military efforts to improve conscription training. 

To strengthen individual combat skills, the military has incorporated training for machine guns, drones, anti-armor rockets, and Stinger missiles into the eight-week basic training program, the Cabinet said, per CNA. After being assigned to units, conscripts receive specialized training based on their roles and will conduct comprehensive combat drills as well as additional live-fire training with weapons such as artillery and anti-armor rockets, it added.

The Cabinet reiterated that to strengthen joint deterrence and strike capabilities, the defense ministry plans to form infantry battalions comprising one-year conscripts that will train with combined-arms brigades in live-fire drills.

To encourage volunteer soldiers to remain in service long term, the Cabinet said the military is focusing on people-centered management, moderately loosening enlistment restrictions, improving welfare measures, and raising pay and benefits.

As China increases gray-zone harassment, cyberattacks, and cognitive warfare against neighboring countries, including Taiwan, the military has developed special mechanisms and built professional public-opinion analysis tools. It is also responding through organizational measures and internal management, the Cabinet said.