President Lai Ching-te announced a significant pay raise for military personnel during a press conference on March 21, 2025. The new salary structure will take effect starting April 1, 2025, and is expected to bolster troop morale while addressing the persistent issue of volunteer attrition within the ranks.
The upcoming adjustments will not only raise duty allowances for volunteers across all branches of the military but also specifically enhance combat duty pay. Grassroots officers and soldiers stationed in combat units will see an increase of up to NT$12,000 per month. This measure garnered praise from several scholars and researchers in military affairs.
According to researcher Su Tzu-yun from the National Defense Security Research Institute, the current compensation levels for military personnel are moderate but could certainly be improved. Considering the demanding nature of their work, which includes long hours and the expectation of rapid deployment during emergencies, a reasonable increase in base salary or incentivized allowances is warranted. "This salary adjustment aims to increase fairness in compensation, boost morale, and reduce attrition among active-duty volunteers," Su stated in a recent interview.
Su further explained that Taiwan is currently facing a transition period regarding military manpower due to declining birth rates. Therefore, in addition to increasing volunteer salaries to curb attrition, it’s estimated that the annual recruitment of 40,000 to 50,000 conscripts would be essential to meet the military’s operational strength requirements.
Accompanying these pay adjustments, researcher Shen Ming-shih also expressed optimism regarding the announced salary increase. He emphasized that the initiative is a positive development for both troop morale and welfare benefits overall. However, Shen cautioned that monetary incentives are not the only aspect to consider. Increasing the honor and respect for military personnel within society is equally important. "Enhancing benefits is just the first step; fostering honor for the military, such as recognition in public settings, is also crucial," he remarked.
Shen suggested initiatives that reinforce societal respect for service members could include public acknowledgment, such as standing ovations at airports for service members in uniform, which would contribute significantly to boosting morale. He highlighted that societal acknowledgment complements financial incentives and fosters a supportive environment for military personnel.
The opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), proposed a different framework with a suggested NT$20,000 increase in volunteer allowances. However, Shen described the KMT's plan as somewhat superficial, particularly considering that logistical personnel are not as strained for manpower as combat units. "Combat units face more significant challenges in training and readiness, and it’s therefore paramount to focus on enhancing the welfare and morale specifically in those areas," he explained.
President Lai's initiative to adjust military salaries directly responds to the urgent need for efficient manpower management in Taiwan's defense strategy, especially given ongoing regional tensions. Military analysts believe that these salary changes not only serve as an immediate incentive for retention but also encourage a long-term commitment to service from current and future personnel.
While the pay increase is a notable step forward, experts agree that it must be accompanied by broader cultural shifts within society to truly appreciate the sacrifices made by military personnel. Addressing honor and respect for service members should run parallel to any monetary adjustments to ensure a comprehensive approach to improving the military lifestyle.
As Taiwan moves into a new era of defense, the recognition of military personnel’s contributions will be vital to fostering national security. Enhancing both the financial and social aspects of military service could ultimately lead to a more resilient and dedicated defense force that is better prepared to face uncertainty and potential threats.
