Conscription or cultivation? Changhua's 104th Brigade reservists sweat through drills, face long queues for showers with only cold water

Taiwanese reservists undergoing mandatory training in Changhua have reported substandard living conditions, citing a severe lack of hot water and poorly maintained shower facilities. The training, which began recently, has left conscripts sweating from drills in the summer heat, only to face long waits for showers that provide cold, rusty water.

According to reports, only five out of twelve shower stalls were operational at the training site in Lukang Township. The situation worsened when a generator for the showers malfunctioned on the second day and remained unrepaired. This has forced reservists to endure cold showers after strenuous training sessions, with some describing the experience as a "hellish training camp."

The reservists also expressed concern over the water quality, which is supplied by water trucks using groundwater. The water is described as yellowish with a strong smell of rust. Some reservists attempted to find humor in the situation, likening it to a sulfur hot spring, but the underlying dissatisfaction with the basic living conditions is evident.

First-line officers acknowledged the complaints but stated that logistical support is responsible for the facility's condition. The reservists questioned the government's focus on enhancing national defense and reserve force capabilities when fundamental aspects of soldier welfare are neglected. They argued that while defending the nation is important, basic respect and dignity should be afforded to reservists.

Critics suggested that if mandatory training is merely a performance for superiors, neglecting basic living standards and logistical quality, it undermines national defense confidence and erodes reservists' sense of belonging. They urged the Ministry of National Defense and relevant authorities to thoroughly review the living facilities and water quality during reserve training to ensure that "all-out defense" is not just a slogan and that reservists' basic dignity is protected.