The so-called "toughest in history" military refresher training program began on the 8th, with a three-day march stretching over 22 kilometers. Ambulances were also dispatched in case of emergencies.
Known as the "hardest in history," the new 14-day military refresher training program took place for the first time on the 8th with a tactical march. The program's reservists started their hike from the mountains in Taoyuan's Luzhu. They walked through the cherry blossom forest with light battle gear and rifles. Due to the epidemic, the reservists must wear masks throughout the hike, which is a major test for physical fitness.
Cheng Chung-po, Reservist, 1st Company, 3rd Battalion 206th Brigade, Army: “In terms of intensity, of course, it will make you feel tired. This is normal. If it's easy, then this training is not solid at all.”
The reservists are armed with rifles and continuously check the status of their weapons. They hike 2.5 kilometers to the temple. After ensuring the safety of the surrounding area, they can rest for a while. After a 10 minute break, they set off again to return to base. The three-day march of 22 kilometers will improve troop mobility. The Ministry of National Defense emphasizes that safety is the priority and ambulances have been dispatched in case of any medical emergencies.
Chen Chung-chi, Director of Headquarters, 6th Army Corps Command: “We will also arrange various situations that the reservists must handle and solve during the march. So our first focus is the physical fitness aspect, so all our reservists can experience it.”
The reporting rate of reservists in the first batch of the refresher training is 98 percent. The MND stated that according to the second paragraph of Article 41 in the Military Service System Act, six types of people, including current technicians in the national defense industry, can postpone their refresher military training if approved. TSMC is a national defense industrial organization approved by the MND. Employees can defer their military refresher training if they have completed military service and have reservist status. They also must have worked at TSMC for one year before the company can apply for postponement for them with the MND.
號稱「史上最硬」14天的新制教召，8號首度實施戰術行軍，教召員以輕裝持槍，從桃園蘆竹山區出發，沿路行經櫻花林，疫情影響，全程必須配戴口罩，對體能是一大考驗。
陸軍206旅步三營步一連召員鄭仲博表示:「強度方面，當然是會讓你覺得疲憊，這是很正常的，如果說讓你很輕鬆，代表說這個訓練其實根本就不扎實。」
持槍警戒、清查武器狀況，教召員走了2.5公里抵達宮廟，確保周遭安全，才能稍作休息，10分鐘後再度啟程，折返營地。為期3天的行軍，總長度至少22公里，藉此提升部隊機動能力，國防部強調以安全為優先，安排救護車隨行。
陸軍第六軍團指揮部主任陳中吉指出:「我們也會安排在行軍的過程當中，有各種狀況的處置，所以我們先把這個體能適應方面，先讓我們的訓員都能夠體會。」
第一批教召報到率高達98%，根據兵役法第41條第二項規定，現任國防工業的專門技術員工等6種人，經審查核定後得予緩召。國防部指出，台積電為國防部所核定的國防工業機構，員工必須具備已服完兵役並具後備軍人身分，在公司待滿一年等條件後，由台積電向軍方申請緩召。