Taiwan plans to send delegations to the United States and Europe in 2025 to study civil defense and reservist systems. The Ministry of National Defense’s All-out Defense Mobilization Agency announced the initiative on Tuesday. It aims to understand how other countries manage civil defense and reserve forces.
The agency allocated a budget of NT$4.04 million (approximately US$134,000) for three trips and related meetings. In the United States, the delegation will focus on the National Guard’s mobilization methods. Meanwhile, European visits will center on reservist systems and civil defense practices.
Last year, the agency conducted a similar program targeting Northern European nations. However, it kept the results confidential due to the lack of formal diplomatic relations. This secrecy ensured ongoing cooperation and future exchanges with those countries.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has drastically changed Europe’s reserve and mobilization systems since 2022. Hence, Taiwan’s agency wants to learn about the latest strategies from Northern and Eastern Europe. These areas have adopted new approaches to civil defense in response to recent challenges.
Furthermore, the delegation will study various aspects, such as civil defense training, emergency shelters, firefighter rescue operations, and food rationing systems. Taiwan aims to strengthen its defense readiness by adopting and adapting these strategies.
Besides learning from others, Taiwan plans to enhance its own reservist system and civil defense capabilities. It recognizes that global security threats continue to evolve rapidly. Therefore, adopting proven methods can better prepare the island for emergencies.
In summary, Taiwan’s move to study civil defense and reservists in the US and Europe reflects a proactive approach. The country acknowledges the importance of modernizing its defense mechanisms. It will benefit greatly from understanding how others respond to crises and emergencies.
Ultimately, these efforts support Taiwan’s goal to build a more resilient national defense system. By exchanging knowledge internationally, Taiwan ensures it stays prepared for future challenges. The All-out Defense Mobilization Agency will lead this critical mission to learn from the world’s best practices in civil defense and reservists.
