Taiwan’s Defense Ministry Proposes Stricter Military Service Standards

The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan has introduced proposed changes to the physical standards that govern military service eligibility and exemptions. The revision aims to tighten the criteria, addressing concerns over the misuse of exemptions, particularly in cases of hypertension and obesity. Under the new guidelines, which involve revisions to 180 out of the current 193 items, the ministry seeks to ensure that military service requirements are more strictly enforced.

If approved, the proposed amendments would limit exemptions to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 45 or a height of less than 144 cm. Furthermore, only those diagnosed with moderate or severe hypertension, accompanied by damage to related organs, would qualify for exemption. This change would require affected individuals to undergo 24-hour continuous blood pressure monitoring during a hospital stay of one to three days.

Revised Service Classifications and Criteria

The proposed amendments also introduce a new classification system for alternative service, dividing it into two categories: Grade A and Grade B. This classification is intended to better align conscripts with the duties of various alternative service positions. Grade A would apply to men with a BMI between 15 and 16.5, or between 32 and 37.5, while Grade B would apply to those with a BMI below 15 or between 37.5 and 45. Active-duty recruits would continue to adhere to a BMI standard set between 16.5 and 32.

For a person measuring 170 cm tall, the current exemption threshold of 101.3 kg would rise to 130.2 kg if these amendments are enacted. Additionally, height standards would be revised, limiting exemptions to individuals who are 144 cm or shorter. Men measuring between 145 cm and 149 cm would qualify for Grade A alternative service, while Grade B would impose no height restriction. The minimum height requirement for active duty would increase to 150 cm.

Other significant changes include the abolition of exemptions for flat feet. Previously, individuals with an arch angle greater than 168° qualified for exemption. Under the new draft, these individuals would instead be classified as Grade A for alternative service. The active duty standard would shift from an arch angle of 165° or less to 168° or less. Furthermore, cases of severe hallux valgus or varus with exostosis or bunion would be categorized as Grade B alternative service rather than exempt.

Stricter Regulations on Medical Conditions

The proposed regulations would also tighten rules regarding herniated intervertebral discs. Previously, individuals who had undergone surgical removal of this condition were exempt. Under the new draft policy, those whose condition has been treated and whose neurological tests indicate no nerve root or spinal cord damage would be deemed fit for active duty. Those who had surgery without such damage would fall under alternative service Grade A, while individuals with confirmed nerve root or spinal cord damage would be assigned to Grade B.

Exemptions for mental health conditions would also see heightened scrutiny. Only those legally recognized as disabled would qualify for exemption, with specific conditions applying to mental illness. Individuals diagnosed with severe depressive disorder would now need to demonstrate a minimum treatment period of one year, up from six months. Additionally, they would be required to submit a psychological assessment report from a psychiatrist and provide a comprehensive treatment record.

These proposed changes reflect the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that military service requirements are met while also addressing the challenges posed by organized conscription evasion. The amendments underscore a more stringent approach to military eligibility, aimed at maintaining the integrity of Taiwan’s defense forces.