Moonlit Training on Taiwan’s Cold Winds
Under the ghostly glow of an early‑morning moon, a handful of Taiwanese marines trudged across a lonely dock in Zuoying. They were soaked in sweat, their shorts mangled, and their thin jackets drenched from a day of relentless sea work. A sudden chill swept through the Strait, making the crew shiver like newly‑baked bread.
“Rise and Shine!” the Drill Sergeant Goads
“You look like you’ve fallen asleep on the job,” the trainer barked, drilling the wiry recruits through dozens of sit‑ups and other grueling routines on the splintered concrete. Some soldiers even blurred out, lost in the haze of exhaustion. A blast of icy water from a hose jolted them back to reality—an essential reminder that comfort is a distant luxury.
Little Known Heroes: The ARP
Those who earn a spot in Taiwan’s elite Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol (ARP) unit get a taste of the harsh life that parallels the likes of U.S. Navy SEALs and Britain’s Special Boat Service. Think of them as secret agents for the Pro‑Democracy side of history, ready to hop across the Taiwan Strait in black splashboats during moon‑lit daring missions.
War‑Prep or Life‑Essay?
When tensions flare with China—trying to shove democratic Taiwan over the line—ARP members might be called upon to stealth‑scout places, set up attacks, and sprint away before the alarm even pops off. Every training session is a taste of what reality could deliver.
From 31 to 15: The Grizzly Trial
Out of the original 31 recruits who signed up for the 10‑week course, only 15 managed to see it through—especially during the final week at the massive Zuoying base, where Reuters had the privilege of witnessing the last challenge.
“I’m not afraid of death,” 30‑year‑old Fu Yu proclaimed over the finish line of the “road to heaven.” This final obstacle was a 100‑meter stretch of boulder‐covered stretch where recruits had to roll on their bellies while completing frantic push‑ups to the satisfaction of the coaches. “It’s a soldier’s duty; we must do it,” he added, recalling his previous failed attempts.
Training Tease
During six days and five nights of training, candidates are subjected to:
- Long marches across isolated stretches of sea.
- Hours of submerged relentless training.
- Regular whispers from instructors.
The recruits spend a lot of time in the water or at the pool, learning how to hold their breath during extended stints, practice swimming in full gear, and surfacing from secluded beach spots like professional spies. Every six hours, they get a one‑hour power break—they gulp down cloves of garlic for their immune system, get medical attention when needed, scrub the bathroom, and try to sleep in a cramped little seating area under light‑green blankets, quite often pinned awake by a shrill whistle.
Even trying to sleep is a problem—they may end up with only a sting of five minutes under a blanket, their bodies shuddered by the instant of an alarm. The life of an ARP candidate sounds harsh—yet it’s also a testament to their resilience and bravery—an honour collar they’d be proud to wear.
<img alt="" data-caption="ARP trainees pull a rubber boat out of the sea during the last week of a ten week program to become members of the Taiwan navy's elite Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol unit, at Zuoying navy base, Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, on Dec 17, 2021. The trainees have to endure everything from long marches to hours in the water, with constant screaming at by their instructors. Of the group of 31 who started the program, only 15 finished.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”8d9f697c-6622-4957-8a3e-48608b47ddd0″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/frogman2.jpg”/>
Sliding into the Heart of Taiwan’s Special Forces
The Call of Duty: Volunteers on the Edge
- All candidates applied willingly, fueled by a mix of patriotism and a craving to test their limits.
- Wu Yu‑wei, 26, views the course as a “personal challenge” rather than just a job.
- He joked the toughest part was a strict 15‑minute bathroom break, a bite of water, then back into the grind.
“The first few days wipe your energy out, but then you adapt,” Wu said, “you just have to lean on pure willpower.”
The ‘Hell’s Week’ Reality Check
Reporters calling it “hardest in world,” but the trainers say it’s about simulating wartime hardships—no sleep, extreme fatigue, and constant pressure.
Trainer Chen Shou‑lih (26) points out, “We don’t force anyone in. Volition makes the drill brutal—but that’s the point.”
- No mandates—everyone is a willing participant.
- Strict elimination: only those who truly matter stick around.
- The aim isn’t cruelty; it’s to see who has the grit for real conflict.
From Exhaustion to Triumph
At the finish line, dubbed the “road to heaven,” Marine Corps commander’s Wang Jui‑lin pumps out congratulations.
The relief is almost overwhelming—some marines erupt in tears, hugging their families who came to celebrate.
A Few Takeaways from the Toughest Training
- Limited rest proves endurance is key.
- Determination trumped the initial drain.
- Voluntary challenges can forge unparalleled loyalty and iron will.
In Short
For Taiwan’s special forces, “hell’s week” is a bootcamp proving that dedication, teamwork, and a little humor can carry a soldier—no matter how rough the ride.
