2024/11/19
MND Issues Statement Regarding Decision to Allow Military Personnel Invalidated From Service to Rejoin Within Five Years of Being Discharged
MND News Report
Date: 19:20, November 19, 2024
On November 19, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) issued the following statement responding to media reports regarding its decision to resolve personnel shortages by allowing military personnel who had been invalidated from service to rejoin active duty within five years of being discharged:
1. In an effort to strengthen military recruitment and achieve its recruiting target, MND analyses revealed that the economic, family, and other factors leading several personnel to choose early discharge had been resolved. The personnel were also found to have no moral misconduct. To provide these personnel with a chance to rejoin active duty and encourage the younger generation to serve in the armed forces, the MND has amended the Regulations Governing the Service for the Retention and Recruitment of Military Officers and Non-commissioned Officers and Regulations of the Volunteer Enlisted Soldier for Selection and Training. This will allow personnel discharged early through the system to apply and rejoin after being discharged for a year. However, the selection requirements for age, physical health, and pre-discharge evaluations will remain unchanged.
2. The MND has taken medical research into account, recognizing that personnel with mild color vision deficiency can still perform regular tasks; those meeting the physical profiles for regular service are required to complete mandatory military service. The MND has considered the principle of consistent training standards and will allow these personnel to try out for specific positions, provided it does not impede the execution of duties.
3. Reports that a junior high school diploma is sufficient to enlist as a volunteer enlistee are false.