Defense Ministry Hosts Airsoft Competition to Bridge Military and Civilian Gap, Boost National Resilience

In recent years, the promotion of national defense in Taiwan has gradually shifted towards diversity and life-oriented approaches. To bridge the distance between the military and ordinary civilians, the Ministry of National Defense held the "2026 National Airsoft Soft Gun Competition - Northern Zone Preliminary" on today (25th). This event combined an open-base activity, attracting many civilians to participate with their families in the lively atmosphere. Not only did it show the educational value of defense, but it also opened a new communication channel for military-civilian interactions.

Airsoft soft gun competitions have gained attention in recent years in Taiwan's survival games and shooting sports circles. Through simulated real firearm operations and shooting training, these activities emphasize teamwork, tactical use, and individual focus. This time, the Ministry of National Defense incorporated the airsoft soft gun competition into the series of open-base activities, breaking down the stereotype of the military's mysterious and solemn image. By combining fun and competitive aspects of the event, defense affairs entered the civilian sphere more flexibly, lowering the threshold for the public to access military culture.

In response to the Ministry's innovation, Dr. Xu Zhi Xiang of the National Defense and Security Research Institute pointed out that by holding airsoft soft gun competitions, it can effectively enhance the audience's awareness of military affairs and related activities. Dr. Xu further analyzed that such activities not only attract young people interested in defense to participate but also bring together society as a whole in support and identification with the military, with positive assistance in shaping the societal resilience of national defense.

From the perspective of national defense strategy, modern defense is no longer just the responsibility of frontline troops, but also the reserve forces and the whole nation's defense mentality are indispensable components of national security. The Ministry of National Defense's holding of such a combination of competition and open-base activities not only demonstrated the military's affinity with civilians but also subtly deepened civilians' sense of concern and participation in defense issues. How to continue to expand the impact of these activities and make more people understand and support the military will be an important direction for promoting national defense education.