In central Taiwan there is a range of green mountains known as Cheng Kung Ling which is indelibly impressed on the memories of many young men as the place where they met one of life's great challenges. For Cheng Kung Ling is the site of a military base where many youthful recruits receive their basic training and first learn how to be men.
In line with the reserve officer system introduced by the government of the Republic of China, military training at the base carefully balances the physical and spiritual sides of character building. Some 300,000 college graduates have received training at the base since it was founded in 1962.
Each year, before the joint entrance examination for colleges and universities are held, teenage high school graduates exchange the traditional greeting: "See you in Cheng Kung Ling." The name therefore has a special significance for the nation's youth.
To receive military training at Cheng Kung Ling is in itself an honor, since only those who pass the college examination are qualified to go. But young people are also attracted by the challenge and trials which await them at the mysterious mountain range.
On the day they report for duty, the new recruits from all over the island of Taiwan first gather at the Cheng Kung Railway Station. Welcoming them on the platform is a bright military band, and a friendly voice saying over the loudspeaker: "Dear friends, welcome to our revolutionary family."
Under the supervision of the squad leaders, the new recruits are transported to the military barracks by bus. As they have their first view of the spacious campus with its stately trees, the recruits are often awed into silence. After routine procedures such as physical examination, change into uniform, and a haircut, they are ready to start their new life. At the end of their first busy and exciting day, they feel somewhat bewildered and helpless as they lie in the darkness of their barracks.
At first, it is only natural that the recruits should find it difficult to adjust to the strict discipline and punctuality of military life. When the reveille is sounded, the first task is to clean bed spaces, don uniforms and arrange bedding and mosquito nets. Great care has to be taken in folding the blankets into the shape of a piece of tofu (beau curd) with 12 corners and 16 straight lines.
Thirty minutes later it is time to assemble for parade, after which the morning is spent learning basic drill movements－left turns, right turns, attention, at ease, about turn, forward march, by the right flank march, dismiss and muster. Not until the squad leaders give orders to adjourn to the dining room do the recruits get any rest.
After a week, however, they suddenly find they have adjusted to their new life, and feel calm and able to handle any emergency. Their appetites improve and they sleep more soundly at night. Now they have learned to fold their bed-rolls almost automatically, the new recruits feel ready to accept new challenges.
Perhaps the highlights of military training at Cheng Kung Ling are the visiting days. Several young servicemen are appointed to help parents and young girls locate sons and boyfriends. The visitors are amazed and overjoyed to find that the nation's reserve officers are handsome, strong, mature and in high spirits.
As the military course progresses to weapon and combat training, more excitement and challenges are in store. But the routine is retained through the need to constantly clean the newly issued rifles.
The first battlefield drill is live ammunition fire practice. On the shooting range, the new recruits are trained to use correctly automatic and semi-automatic rifles and to give them actual combat experience, armed offensive drill is organized. Fitted with modern equipment such as helmets, ammunition, rifles, canteens and leggings, the new recruits are required to attack from the bottom of a 400-meter high mountain and gradually make their way uphill. As they advance by crawling, rolling over or even jumping, sweat soaks their uniform and yellow sand covers their faces and bodies. After four hours of this rigorous training the recruits feel exhausted, but ready to serve their nation. With their chins up and their chests thrust out, they are full of confidence and pride. They break into their favorite song as they advance: "Nine Brave Men in a Squad." The order to count off is given, and the recruits call out loudly: "One-two-three-four, one-two-three-four. . ." Suddenly, they realize what a profound change they have undergone.
The toughest drill is yet to come, however. Under the direction of the squad leader, the new recruits must undergo the cheng han training, which requires them to crawl forward under heavy barbed wire entanglements. To simulate real battlefield condition, bullets are fired overhead and bombs are exploded. But with teeth clenched firmly the recruits advance amid the uproar. The explosions are ear-splitting, and the 150-meter distance they have to travel seems endless. Through courage and perseverance, the platoon eventually reaches the safety of the trench. After throwing grenades, the soldiers emerge and engage in hand-to-hand fighting with the enemy. Finally they take over the enemy position and the mission comes to a satisfactory end. Visiting groups of professors are deeply moved and impressed by the courage of the young heroes.
As well as cultivating the personalities of the young reserve officers, and providing them with combat drill, the training is aimed at enhancing their leadership qualities, perseverance and spirit of teamwork. An IQ test is held to determine how they will react under 12 different emergency situations. For instance, they are asked how they would escape from a prison camp using only a piece of rope and a ladder shorter than the height of the wall. Through their collective knowledge and experience they overcome the problems one by one.
As well as military training, the young recruits must undergo political instruction in such matters as national revolutionary history, the history of Communist devastation of China, current affairs, and the nation and its leader. In addition to classroom discussions, audiovisual equipment is used to reinforce the recruits' understanding of their responsibilities and their confidence in the nation and its people. Small group seminars are held and written and oral reports enhance the recruits' ability to express themselves.
As the six-week training course draws to an end, the friendly voice is heard over the loudspeaker again. "Dear comrades, tomorrow you will go your separate ways. We hope you will treasure the memory of belonging to this revolutionary family. Take care. May you march from Cheng Kung Ling along the road of success."
[Explain picture]
Left: New recruits marching at Cheng Kung Ling, and below left: The opening of the training and the rifle-issuing ceremony presided over by Adm. Soong Chang-chih, Chief of the General Staff.
On the day they report for duty, new recruits from all over the island of Taiwan arrive at the Cheng Kung Station (1). (3) Under the supervision of the squad leaders, the new recruits are transported to the military barracks by bus. As the buses stop at the Chieh-sou Platform, the young cadets alight and line up (2). After routine procedures such as physical examination (5), changing into uniform (6), and a haircut (4), the recruits are ready to start their new life. (7) Great care has to be taken in folding the blankets into the shape of a piece of tofu (bean curd) with 12 corners and 16 straight lines. (8) The tidy and well-arranged bedding.
To achieve a balance between the physical and spiritual sides of character building, military training includes social, military and political education. Pictures 1,2,5 show the new recruits learning basic drill movements － left turns, right turns, attention, at ease, about turn, forward march, dismiss and muster. Pictures 3 and 4 show the young recruits undergoing political instruction in classroom discussion and small group seminars. 6 and 7 show the first battlefield drill, including live ammunition fire practice.
Perhaps the highlights of military training at Cheng Kung Ling are the visiting days. Parents and young girls are pleasantly surprised to find that their sons and boyfriends are stronger, more mature and in high spirits.
1 & 2 fitted with modern equipment such as helmets, ammunition, rifles and leggings, the new recruits are required to attack from the bottom of a 400-meter high mountain and gradually make their way uphill. 3, live ammunition fire practice; 5, swimming is part of the physical training, 6 - 8, an IQ test is held to determine how recruits will react under different emergency situations. Through their collective knowledge and experience they overcome all the problems one by one.
At dusk, the collegians receiving military training on the base such as guard the hill with rifles. After receiving education and training from their officers, the young recruits become competent and disciplined revolutionary soldiers.
The toughest drill is the cheng han training which requires the recruits to crawl under heavy barbed wire entanglements. To simulate real battlefield conditions, bullets are fired overhead and bombs are exploded. But with teeth clenched firmly, the recruits advance amid the uproar.
President Chiang Ching-kuo personally officiates at the closing ceremony after military training is completed at the base. Besides inspecting the troops, President Chiang also encourages students to spread the spirit of Cheng Kung Ling to their homes, schools, and all of society as they march on to success.
Left: New recruits marching at Cheng Kung Ling, and below left: The opening of the training and the rifle-issuing ceremony presided over by Adm. Soong Chang-chih, Chief of the General Staff.
On the day they report for duty, new recruits from all over the island of Taiwan arrive at the Cheng Kung Station （1）. （3） Under the supervision of the squad leaders, the new recruits are transported to the military barracks by bus. As the buses stop at the Chieh-sou Platform, the young cadets alight and line up （2）. After routine procedures such as physical examination （5）, changing into uniform （6）, and a haircut （4）, the recruits are ready to start their new life. （7） Great care has to be taken in folding the blankets into the shape of a piece of tofu （bean curd） with 12 corners and 16 straight lines. （8） The tidy and well-arranged bedding.
（4）, the recruits are ready to start their new life.
（3） Under the supervision of the squad leaders, the new recruits are transported to the military barracks by bus. As the buses stop at the Chieh-sou Platform, the young cadets alight and line up.
（2）. After routine procedures such as physical examination.
（5）, changing into uniform.
（7） Great care has to be taken in foldin.
（7） Great care has to be taken in foldin.
To achieve a balance between the physical and spiritual sides of character building, military training includes social, military and political education. Pictures 1,2,5 show the new recruits learning basic drill movements － left turns, right turns, attention, at ease, about turn, forward march, dismiss and muster. Pictures 3 and 4 show the young recruits undergoing political instruction in classroom discussion and small group seminars. 6 and 7 show the first battlefield drill, including live ammunition fire practice.
Pictures 1,2,5 show the new recruits learning basic drill movements － left turns, right turns, attention, at ease, about turn, forward march, dismiss and muster.
Pictures 3 and 4 show the young recruits undergoing political instruction in classroom discussion and small group seminars.
Pictures 3 and 4 show the young recruits undergoing political instruction in classroom discussion and small group seminars.
Pictures 1,2,5 show the new recruits learning basic drill movements － left turns, right turns, attention, at ease, about turn, forward march, dismiss and muster.
6 and 7 show the first battlefield drill, including live ammunition fire.
6 and 7 show the first battlefield drill, including live ammunition fire.
Perhaps the highlights of military training at Cheng Kung Ling are the visiting days. Parents and young girls are pleasantly surprised to find that their sons and boyfriends are stronger, more mature and in high spirits.
Perhaps the highlights of military training at Cheng Kung Ling are the visiting days. Parents and young girls are pleasantly surprised to find that their sons and boyfriends are stronger, more mature and in high spirits.
Perhaps the highlights of military training at Cheng Kung Ling are the visiting days. Parents and young girls are pleasantly surprised to find that their sons and boyfriends are stronger, more mature and in high spirits.
Perhaps the highlights of military training at Cheng Kung Ling are the visiting days. Parents and young girls are pleasantly surprised to find that their sons and boyfriends are stronger, more mature and in high spirits.
Perhaps the highlights of military training at Cheng Kung Ling are the visiting days. Parents and young girls are pleasantly surprised to find that their sons and boyfriends are stronger, more mature and in high spirits.
1 & 2 fitted with modern equipment such as helmets, ammunition, rifles and leggings, the new recruits are required to attack from the bottom of a 400-meter high mountain and gradually make their way uphill. 3, live ammunition fire practice; 5, swimming is part of the physical training, 6 - 8, an IQ test is held to determine how recruits will react under different emergency situations. Through their collective knowledge and experience they overcome all the problems one by one.
1 & 2 fitted with modern equipment such as helmets, ammunition, rifles and leggings, the new recruits are required to attack from the bottom of a 400-meter high mountain and gradually make their way uphill.
3, live ammunition fire practice;.
6 - 8, an IQ test is held to determine how recruits will react under different emergency situations. Through their collective knowledge and experience they overcome all the problems one by one.
5, swimming is part of the physical training,.
6 - 8, an IQ test is held to determine how recruits will react under different emergency situations. Through their collective knowledge and experience they overcome all the problems one by one.
6 - 8, an IQ test is held to determine how recruits will react under different emergency situations. Through their collective knowledge and experience they overcome all the problems one by one.
6 - 8, an IQ test is held to determine how recruits will react under different emergency situations. Through their collective knowledge and experience they overcome all the problems one by one.
At dusk, the collegians receiving military training on the base such as guard the hill with rifles. After receiving education and training from their officers, the young recruits become competent and disciplined revolutionary soldiers.
The toughest drill is the cheng han training which requires the recruits to crawl under heavy barbed wire entanglements. To simulate real battlefield conditions, bullets are fired overhead and bombs are exploded. But with teeth clenched firmly, the recruits advance amid the uproar.
The toughest drill is the cheng han training which requires the recruits to crawl under heavy barbed wire entanglements. To simulate real battlefield conditions, bullets are fired overhead and bombs are exploded. But with teeth clenched firmly, the recruits advance amid the uproar.
President Chiang Ching-kuo personally officiates at the closing ceremony after military training is completed at the base. Besides inspecting the troops, President Chiang also encourages students to spread the spirit of Cheng Kung Ling to their homes, schools, and all of society as they march on to success.
President Chiang Ching-kuo personally officiates at the closing ceremony after military training is completed at the base. Besides inspecting the troops, President Chiang also encourages students to spread the spirit of Cheng Kung Ling to their homes, schools, and all of society as they march on to success.
President Chiang Ching-kuo personally officiates at the closing ceremony after military training is completed at the base. Besides inspecting the troops, President Chiang also encourages students to spread the spirit of Cheng Kung Ling to their homes, schools, and all of society as they march on to success.
President Chiang Ching-kuo personally officiates at the closing ceremony after military training is completed at the base. Besides inspecting the troops, President Chiang also encourages students to spread the spirit of Cheng Kung Ling to their homes, schools, and all of society as they march on to success.
President Chiang Ching-kuo personally officiates at the closing ceremony after military training is completed at the base. Besides inspecting the troops, President Chiang also encourages students to spread the spirit of Cheng Kung Ling to their homes, schools, and all of society as they march on to success.
President Chiang Ching-kuo personally officiates at the closing ceremony after military training is completed at the base. Besides inspecting the troops, President Chiang also encourages students to spread the spirit of Cheng Kung Ling to their homes, schools, and all of society as they march on to success.
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