I.In response to challenges such as the declining birth rate, diverse enrollment strategies of civil schools, and competition from labor market demands from companies, the R.O.C. Armed Forces have continued to enhance recruitment effectiveness through comprehensive organizational planning, campus outreach, media promotion, streamlined application procedures, appropriate relaxation of recruitment and selection criteria, and adjustments to compensation and benefits. The recruitment target for 2025 is 14,563 personnel. As of September 30, the planned number for the current recruitment phase was 11,940, with 13,030 recruited, reaching a phase completion rate of 109.1%. Taking the full-term classes as an example, the annual target was 1,476 students, and through the dedicated efforts of all military academies, 1,687 were enrolled, achieving an enrollment rate of 114.3%. The R.O.C. Armed Forces will continue to apply phased progress control and resource allocation to ensure that annual recruitment goals are achieved on schedule and with the desired quality.
II.In addition, given the growing enemy threats and the increasing combat preparation tasks undertaken by the R.O.C. Armed Forces, the MND has comprehensively reviewed the compensation structure for military personnel to demonstrate genuine care for service members. Starting April 1, 2025, adjustments will be gradually implemented for five types of allowances: “Volunteer Military Service Allowance,” “Combat Unit Allowance,” “Cyber Warfare Allowance,” “Air Battle and Control Allowance,” and “Signals Intelligence Allowance.” These measures aim to ensure that service members can perform their duties with peace of mind, fulfilling training and operational requirements while also maintaining family well-being.
III.To improve the living and service environment for military personnel, the MND has been actively promoting the renovation of old military barracks. Under the “Xing-An Project,” 103 cases are being implemented, among which 87 have been completed and 16 in progress. In addition, the “Zhan-Xing Project,” approved in 2024 and scheduled for implementation from 2026 to 2031, prioritizes the construction of 16 new barracks and duty buildings for officers and enlisted personnel, as well as 9 new official dormitory buildings, which will continue to be carried out according to the planned timeline.
IV.Service members at all levels have also deeply felt society’s respect and appreciation for their dedication to training and defending the homeland. For example, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications coordinated with national airlines to implement a “priority boarding for military personnel” policy and, in conjunction with Armed Forces Day on September 3, offered complimentary upgrades to business class to provide exclusive privileges for service members. At the same time, various ministries and agencies of the Executive Yuan have expanded collaboration with private enterprises and organizations to launch promotional activities this year such as discounts at well-known convenience stores, tourist attractions, cultural and educational institutions, and exhibition venues, in a collective show of gratitude and support for the Armed Forces. These efforts help foster a social culture of respect for the military, elevate the social standing of service members, and enhance young people’s willingness to join the Armed Forces.
V.Overall, to retain professional talent for longer service, various personnel care measures have been implemented. As of September 30, the annual retention rate reached 86.7%, a clear improvement over previous years; the number of unfit personnel decreased by more than 1,000 compared with the same period last year, which is an effective enhancement of willingness to remain in service. The R.O.C. Armed Forces will continue to expand and sustain a high-quality talent pool to preserve personnel’s practical experience and professional expertise, meet the needs of emerging force structures, and ensure the effective performance of overall combat capability.
Excerpt from: R.O.C. National Defense Report, 4th Session of the 11th Legislative Yuan