The Republic of China (Taiwan) has maintained a policy of conscription for all qualified males of military age since 1949, primarily as a means to bolster the defense of Taiwan against an invasion by the People's Republic of China. Females from the outlying islands of Fuchien, which are geographically closest to mainland China, were also required to serve in a civil defense role, although this requirement has been dropped since the lifting of martial law. Although the majority of all enlisted positions in the ROC Armed Forces have been and are currently filled by draftees, the government intends to gradually expand the number of volunteer soldiers with the eventual goal of forming an all volunteer military. However, even then there will be compulsory basic training for all males reaching 1