Man evades military service for 10 years, gets 10-month jail term upon return

A Taiwanese man who avoided mandatory military service for almost 10 years has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after returning to Taiwan. The Taipei District Court denied his request for a fine, emphasizing that allowing wealthy individuals to pay their way out of service would undermine national duty and create a perception that military obligation is for sale.

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If a fine is imposed, it might lead the public to mistakenly believe that one can avoid military service by paying money.

The man, identified by the surname Huang, was permitted to study abroad for his master's degree but remained overseas for nearly a decade, well past the age limit for overseas study deferment. He only returned to Taiwan after turning 36, the age at which he was no longer required to serve. Upon his return, he expressed his willingness to face legal proceedings through his lawyer.

Prosecutors argued that Huang strategically timed his return to avoid service and used his U.S. passport to enter Taiwan, having already booked a flight back to the United States. This behavior, they contended, demonstrated a calculated plan to evade his military obligations. The court agreed, stating that a fine would only encourage a sense of impunity among those who might consider similar actions.

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Those who should serve must serve.

The judge highlighted the importance of shared national responsibility, acknowledging that military service can be arduous and inconvenient, involving strict discipline and potential career disruptions. However, the judge stressed that these difficulties do not justify evading a fundamental civic duty. The court's decision aims to uphold the principle that all citizens must contribute to national defense.

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These things about military service are very annoying and unpleasant.