The 'Road to Heaven,' one of Taiwan's most brutal military training events
The "Road to Heaven" starts with a hard fall from standing to planking position. The fall looks to be tough on the elbows, but immediately after the recruits begin to crawl through the sharp rocks on the points of their knees and elbows.
In some ways, the training simulates a landing on a rocky beach, but it appears to function mainly as a test in which the trainees must will themselves to conquer pain. "I don't fear pain!" the recruits shout as they cross the razor-sharp rocks.
The path has ten stopping points, and at each one the recruits must stop and perform an exercise.
If an instructor isn't satisfied with a recruits' form, or perhaps their level of misery, they're ordered to start again.
As they make their way, instructors pour salt water on them. for their open wounds.
But behind that stinging is cheering. "My son is the best!" one mother cheers as her son completes the course. Friends and family of the trainees are encouraged to attend.
At the end of the long, rough road, they finally earn their place among the most elite soldiers in Taiwan.
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