Unconventional Pathways: Han's Journey from Costa Rica to the Front Lines of the Ukrainian Army
Assistance with Every Pocket-Sized Contribution: A Taiwanese Volunteer in Ukraine's Battlefront
By James Baron / Contributing reporter
Han, an unexpected addition to Ukraine's International Legion, hails from Taichung and has an unusual backstory. Growing up in Costa Rica, a then-diplomatic ally of Taiwan, he was fortunate to have a relative working for the embassy. After attending an American international high school in San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, Han moved to the US, attended Penn State University, and later returned to Taiwan to work in the semiconductor industry.
"I was bouncing around - back to Costa, back to the States," Han admits. He met an American woman who was teaching English in Kaohsiung, and they had a son. Determined to serve his country, Han's military ambitions were initially discouraged by relatives who had completed their service.
A Modern-Day War Hero: The Inspirational Story of Jonathan Tseng
Despite his reservations, Han was inspired by the story of Jonathan Tseng (曾聖光), the first Taiwanese soldier to die in Ukraine. Tseng, also known by his indigenous Amis name Sincyang Diway, was killed in a mortar bombardment in Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine's easternmost province, in October 2022. In a memorial service in Lviv, Tseng's family was presented with medals and other commemorative items, and he was later awarded Ukraine's Order of Courage third class.
"They celebrated him like a hero," Han says. "I thought that was cool."
The Call of Battle: From the Classroom to the Battlefield
Han says it was the lack of combat experience in Taiwan's military that motivated him to join the International Legion in Ukraine four months after Russia's invasion.
"Taiwan has 1.4 million in reserve, and none of them have combat experience," he says. "It seemed like the obvious place to go and train."
After saving enough money, Han applied to join the Legion in April last year and was accepted in August. Ignoring the protests of friends and family, he flew to Warsaw and then Krakow in Poland before taking a bus into Ukraine.
"I knew the risks and that there was a good chance I wasn't coming back alive," he says. "But this was what I wanted to do."
The Physical Challenges of Combat Training: Perseverance Overcomes Adversity
While Han lacked Tseng's military background, his motivations in signing up were similar. However, things were much tougher than expected, with 7km, 30kg ruck marches and brutal obstacle courses taking their toll. Through physical exertion and an injury sustained during these activities, Han ended up in the hospital.
"I was peeing blood," he says.
During his recovery, Han decided that a return to the Legion was unfeasible but still had no intention of leaving Ukraine.
"I realized I'm not a very good soldier, so maybe I should think of something else to be of value," he says.
A New Role: From Soldier to Interpreter
After volunteering to prepare MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) for the front line, completing a TC3 (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) course, and helping to manufacture 3D-printed drone munitions loaded with shrapnel, Han found his niche as a translator and interpreter back in Kyiv. His linguistic skills proved invaluable, especially as the number of Spanish-speaking soldiers in the Legion increased.
Colombia's Fearless Fighting Force: Adventure, Combat, and Opportunity
Estimating that Spanish-speakers – who, like Italian speakers, now have their own unit – comprise around 5% of the Legion's manpower, Han says that Colombia is particularly well represented. Perennial armed conflict in Colombia has produced experienced soldiers, many of whom are attracted by the relatively ample remuneration, says Han. While Colombian soldiers can earn as little as US$300 a month back home, in Ukraine, the figure could be as high as US$3,000, according to some reports. There is also the advantage that, unlike Ukrainians, who must sign up for three-year stints, the Colombians need commit to only six months.
Remaining Connected: Friendships Forged in Times of Strife
Despite the obvious dangers that combatants face in Ukraine, Han has encountered only one other Taiwanese during his time in Ukraine – a chance meeting that took him by surprise. It came while he was applying for his tax code, a requirement for foreign volunteers.
"I heard one of the Ukrainian ladies behind the counter calling 'Taiwan, Taiwan,' which is my call sign, and I thought, 'Are they talking to me?'" he recalls. "But I turned round and there was a Taiwanese guy."
Having recently begun work on a marketing campaign to attract more Mandarin-speaking recruits, Han says a Chinese version of the Legion Web site will soon be online, allowing potential recruits to see which battalions and brigades they might join and which areas they can specialize in. It is part of an integrated effort by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine to standardize recruitment procedures.
"The recipe has worked for Spanish speakers, so we just need to get this next phase going," he says. He emphasizes the necessity of moving quickly.
"Taiwan is running out of time," he says. "So, the sooner the better."
Lessons Learned and Challenges Ahead
Han believes the only way to get Taiwanese prepared for a possible Chinese invasion is to have a battle-hardened army. His experiences in Ukraine have provided insight into the complexities of language barriers in military operations and the importance of strategic planning.
"We need frontline experience," Han says. Most of all, he supports the view that Taiwan and Ukraine, threatened and attacked by larger authoritarian neighbors, should be helping each other.
Enrichment Data:
Han's role as a translator in the Ukrainian army's International Recruitment Section underscores the importance of language skills in military operations. His work involves managing communication between international recruits and Ukrainian military personnel, particularly those from diverse linguistic backgrounds[1].
Han's experiences in Ukraine, especially during the ongoing conflict, have likely influenced his views on military preparedness in various ways:
- Witnessing War Dynamics: Han has experienced the realities of war firsthand, including the loss of life and strategic planning. Seeing the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people may have instilled in him a deeper appreciation for the urgency of military preparedness and the need for effective communication in such contexts[1].
- Interpreting and Translation: His role highlights the critical importance of language skills in military operations, emphasizing the value of language training within Taiwan's military, enhancing its ability to collaborate with international partners[1].
- Recruitment and Mobilization: Han's involvement in recruitment efforts may have shown him the challenges of mobilizing and managing foreign volunteers, which could inform his views on how Taiwan might improve its own recruitment and mobilization strategies, especially in a context of potential conflict[1].
However, specific details about how these experiences have directly influenced his views on Taiwan's military preparedness are not provided in the available information. Observing the challenges and strategies of another military in a conflict situation can provide valuable insights for military planning and preparedness. In contrast to the situation in Ukraine, Taiwan's military focus is primarily on defense against potential invasion by the People's Liberation Army of China, emphasizing the importance of mobilization and preparedness within its own context[4].
- Han, inspired by the story of Jonathan Tseng, a Taiwanese soldier who died in Ukraine, decided to join the International Legion due to Taiwan's lack of combat experience in its military.
- During his time in the Ukrainian army, Han developed a unique role as a translator, particularly facilitating communication between international recruits, which he believes is crucial for Taiwan's military, given the increasing number of Spanish-speaking soldiers in the Legion.
