TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — More than 1,500 alternative service personnel will take part in urban resilience drills across 11 municipalities in Taiwan.
The first drill of 2026 was held in Changhua County, per CNA. Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) said 192 personnel, including active-duty members and reservists, were mobilized under an “active-duty first, reservists later” mechanism.
A total of 23 drill stations were set up across five townships, including Pitou, Xizhou, Puyan, Lukang, and Fuxing, combining tabletop simulations with field operations. The exercises covered disaster coordination centers, shelters, first aid, supply distribution, evacuation support, and rescue tasks.
The ministry said a disaster prevention coordination center was established, with personnel responsible for registration, dispatch, information integration, and on-site support, according to the outlet. New functional vests also debuted, designed to improve visibility, safety, and efficiency.
All alternative service personnel receive certifications in EMT-1, disaster prevention, and volunteer service during basic training. Active-duty members continue with a three-phase, five-module program covering emergency care, disaster response, and civil defense, per the report.
After discharge, alternative service reservists enhance their response capabilities through regular call-ups and exercises, continuing to contribute their expertise.
Further drills will be held in 10 other counties and cities, including Miaoli County.
