Tsoying Senior High School bursts with military equipment—from anti-aircraft guns to patriot missiles.
They're being rolled out here in Kaohsiung as part of an annual “national defense education day.”
It’s meant to bring the students closer to the realities of a military constantly on guard against threatened invasion from China.
CHEN TSAI-YAN, STUDENT:
"The 35mm anti-aircraft gun and patriot missiles were the most interesting. They introduced what they’re used for and how they work."
SU MENG-CHENG, STUDENT:
"I like these kinds of things. If I have the chance, I’d like to try out [the military]. After all, it’s our country. We have to defend it ourselves."
Given Taiwan’s conscription of men, it’s a chance many will get, though perhaps only career soldiers will get to operate these kinds of weaponry. The school tries to mix things up each year, with past exhibits including paratroopers and tanks. The principal says it’s a valuable learning experience.
LIN PAI-HUNG, PRINCIPAL TSOYING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:
"When students get an up-close look at military equipment everyone's heard of but don't often get close to it not only gives them a deeper understanding of national defense but also helps them pursue further studies or employment."
Year after year, all branches of the military get a chance to show their mettle to students, giving them a glimpse of both the military hardware and the dedication that keep Taiwan safe.
Howard Chang and John Van Trieste for TaiwanPlus.
00:54
01:29
00:43
00:53
00:44
00:29
02:09
00:26
00:49
00:27
00:34
00:35
04:10
00:29
00:30
02:00