【軍傳媒／從軍我驕傲】清晨，位於新竹的空軍第二戰術戰鬥機聯隊，兩架幻象2000戰鬥機在跑道頭完成最後起飛前檢查後，長機加大馬力快速起飛，幾十秒後僚機也快速跟上，一起執行第一梯次的戰鬥空中巡邏（Combat Air Patrol，CAP）。
只要是住在機場四周的居民，每天早上都能聽見戰鬥機起飛的轟鳴，這是空軍在守衛著台灣的領空，幻象戰機自1989年法國政府正式公佈出售60架Mirage 2000-5給台灣，包括單座 2000-5EI × 48、雙座 2000-5DI × 12，武裝方面MICA 中程飛彈 960 枚、Magic II 近程飛彈 480 枚。1997年5月5日首批2架單座＋4 架雙座，由貨輪海運抵花蓮港，檢整後由花蓮基地轉飛新竹基地。
從1997年至今，二聯隊的幻象戰機已經歷時近三十年，雖然未到達壽限，但畢竟已經有一定年歲，而日常的維保靠的就是第二修護補給大隊在默默執行。任職第二修護補給大隊支援中隊的張而合士官長，由於家族中有人從軍，小時候穿軍服氣宇軒昂的樣子深映其腦中，加上對修護很有興趣，又不想學大家都會的修車，因此高中畢業毅然進入空軍航空技術學院學習修飛機，實現自己的理想同時兼報效國家。
一般來說在空軍基地的後勤維修分成使用單位及場站單位、專業修護單位，使用單位只負責外觀目視的檢查、輪胎外觀的檢查等，場站單位則執行目視檢查及維修，專業修護單位才會開始有機器的檢查更換零件等。飛機的維修不像汽車一樣，一組人就可以包山包海，而是每個區塊都有各自專業的技師，像座艙罩內的系統、發動機、雷達系統、武器系統、電力電線系統、輪胎等都是有各自的專業維修小組，張而合士官長負責的主要是機體結構部分，包括機體、液壓、燃油、環控及動力等系統之運作正常。
由於飛機不像汽車，有問題不能靠路邊停車檢查，因此所有的維修檢查、零件更換都會有雙重認證機制，依照程度不同分為同事之間相互認證、班長對班兵執行後的確認，在高階系統（例如液壓馬達）更需要士官長之間的交互確認。通常一個維修小組約3-4人，一個班長帶領2-3個班兵，雖然不是完全師徒制，但也大部分承襲相關模式，經驗的傳承就非常重要。
張而合士官長在教學時對班兵提到，通常對飛行員有保護作用的裝備，對於地勤維修都是有一定的危險，例如捕捉勾是以小型火箭爆破推出、反制投擲系統比頭髮還細的鋁箔絲，會快速彈出邊角鋒利的輔助進氣片等，甚至光機砲就有四重的安全開關，因此遵照準則是很重要且必要的，這一切都是在保護地勤人員的安全及防止意外的發生，這也是地勤人員養成不易的原因。
張而合士官長提到，初入伍時民轉軍的過程最不適應，之後就逐漸習慣，畢業那年的三月會先抽籤分發，四月開始會有8週的單位見學以熟悉下部隊後的環境，而在航空技術學院學校輔導考到的航空修護丙級、乙級證照，未來也受到民航局的承認，在爭取民間職位時也能起到幫助。
一般來說進到地勤修護單位，在養成階段每天的工作就是修飛機，早上0800-1200、下午1400-1600，再來是運動休息時間，通常晚上1830-2030會有額外的輔導課，針對白天的科目複習研討。由於飛機維修牽扯的是飛行員的生命，因此對於自身本職學能都很注重，張而合士官長特別說明，其實所有工作內容都有一定的規範，且在工作時一定隨身攜帶技令手冊比對，只要照著技令上的規定執行就不會有問題，加上都有互相確認制度，實際上並沒有很大的壓力，比較特別的是雖然都有翻譯成中文技令，但是工作時都習慣以英文技令為主，因此單位上的人員都有一定的英文程度，張而合士官長在假日時也持續學習語言，希望能持續精進。
休假部分單位是以排休為主，每週還是會有輪值的小組，以確保隨時都有人能執行修護工作，機體維修有許多簽證，每個簽證還有分ABC等級，每年都還會考核，因此每個維修人員在專業上都毋庸置疑，且許多簽證證照未來在民間航空公司修護單位都可以通用，對於生涯規劃也很有幫助。張而合士官長不諱言的說，雖然幻象戰機不是最新的飛機，加上近年因為共軍的侵擾而使用頻繁，妥善率一定會隨著時間下降，這點必須要及早因應；但是同時他也認為，這份工作除了工作內容穩定、薪水待遇不錯、休假正常之外，更是一個可以實現理想與加強自己航空學識的地方，可以說是國家提供難得的培訓機會，且地勤不像飛行員易受年齡等身體限制，修護人才也是各家民間航空公司爭相爭取的專業人員，不論是考量到現在、未來，都很推薦年輕人勇於嘗試。
At dawn, at the Air Force’s 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing in Hsinchu, two Mirage 2000 fighters completed their final pre-takeoff checks at the end of the runway. The lead aircraft applied full power and took off rapidly, followed by its wingman seconds later—together launching the day’s first Combat Air Patrol (CAP).
For residents living near the airbase, the roar of fighter jets has become part of the morning routine. These sounds signify the Air Force safeguarding Taiwan’s airspace. Taiwan purchased 60 Mirage 2000-5 fighters from France in 1989, including 48 single-seat 2000-5EI and 12 twin-seat 2000-5DI aircraft, along with 960 MICA medium-range missiles and 480 Magic II short-range missiles. The first batch—two single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft—arrived by cargo ship at Hualien Port on May 5, 1997. After inspection, they were ferried to Hsinchu Air Base.
Nearly thirty years have passed since the Mirage fleet joined the 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing. Though the aircraft have not yet reached the end of their service life, age is increasingly evident, and routine maintenance now relies heavily on the quiet, dedicated work of the 2nd Maintenance and Supply Group.
Master Sergeant Chang Er-he of the Support Squadron chose this career path largely due to family influence—seeing relatives in uniform as a child left a lasting impression. Interested in aviation maintenance and wanting a profession different from common automotive repair, he joined the Air Force Institute of Technology after high school to pursue his passion while serving the nation.
Maintenance at an airbase is divided into three levels: user units, intermediate maintenance units, and specialized depot-level maintenance. User units conduct basic visual inspections; intermediate units conduct visual checks and basic repairs; specialized maintenance teams handle system-level diagnostics and component replacement. Unlike car repair, aircraft maintenance requires multiple highly specialized teams—cockpit systems, engines, radar, weapons, electrical wiring, landing gear, and more. Master Sergeant Chang is responsible for the aircraft’s structural systems, including hydraulics, fuel systems, environmental control, airframe integrity, and power systems.
Because aircraft cannot simply pull over when problems occur, all maintenance follows strict dual-verification procedures. Depending on the task, this may involve peer verification, squad leader confirmation, or, for high-risk systems such as hydraulic motors, cross-validation between senior NCOs. A typical maintenance team consists of three to four personnel, led by a squad leader—similar to an apprenticeship system in its emphasis on hands-on mentorship and transfer of experience.
When instructing junior maintainers, Master Sergeant Chang often reminds them that equipment designed to protect pilots—such as the arresting hook’s small rocket charge, chaff cartridges as thin as hair, or the sharp edges of auxiliary intake doors—may be dangerous for ground crews. Even the aircraft’s cannon has four layers of safety interlocks. Strict adherence to procedures is essential to protect ground personnel and prevent accidents—part of why aviation maintenance training is so rigorous.
Chang recalls that transitioning from civilian life to military service was initially the most challenging part, but with time he adapted. After assignment selection in March, new maintainers spend eight weeks shadowing their future unit to familiarize themselves with the environment. Certifications earned at the Air Force Institute of Technology—such as Class C and B aircraft maintenance licenses—are also recognized by Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration, offering future career benefits in civilian aviation.
A typical day in a ground maintenance unit involves aircraft servicing from 0800–1200 and 1400–1600, followed by physical training and rest. From 1830–2030, additional instruction covers review and discussion of technical topics. Because aircraft safety directly affects pilot lives, technical proficiency is paramount. Master Sergeant Chang emphasizes that all tasks follow clearly written technical orders, which maintainers must carry at all times. With strict procedures and dual-verification, pressure is manageable. Interestingly, although technical orders are translated into Chinese, most maintainers still prefer using the original English versions, giving the unit a strong English-language foundation. Chang continues studying languages in his free time to keep improving.
Leave schedules are arranged by rotation, with weekly duty teams ensuring continuous maintenance support. Aircraft systems require multiple certifications—rated A, B, or C—and annual evaluations ensure that every maintainer’s expertise is beyond question. Many certifications also transfer to civilian aviation maintenance, offering solid career prospects.
Master Sergeant Chang acknowledges that although the Mirage is no longer the newest fighter—its operational tempo has increased significantly due to rising PLA incursions—its availability rate will inevitably decline with time, requiring early planning. Even so, he believes the job offers stability, good pay, regular leave, and invaluable opportunities to deepen aviation knowledge. Ground crew members are not restricted by age like pilots, and aircraft maintainers are highly sought after by civilian airlines. Considering both present and future prospects, Chang strongly encourages young people to consider this rewarding career path.