2025/03/21
Date: March 21, 2025, 09:50
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced today (21st) that, in its ongoing efforts to enhance the salary and welfare of voluntary military personnel, the MND has formulated the "Voluntary Military Service Allowance" and "Combat Unit Allowance" adjustment plans. These plans were approved by the Executive Yuan on March 20, 2025, and will come into effect on April 1, 2025.
The MND emphasized that improving the welfare and compensation for military personnel has consistently been a key priority for the government. In recent years, increasing external threats and more demanding national defense tasks have placed greater responsibilities on the armed forces. Furthermore, the challenges posed by the private sector for talent and the declining birthrate have contributed to a decrease in the willingness of young people to enlist, which in turn affects the overall combat readiness of the military. In response to these challenges, and following the directives of the President, the Ministry of National Defense has actively worked to improve the salary and benefits for volunteer military personnel, with a particular focus on supporting lower-ranking service members. The goal is to ensure that military training and operational readiness are maintained while also prioritizing the well-being of personnel and their families.
The MND further explained that the "Military Personnel Compensation Adjustment Plan" was developed after extensive consultations and thorough evaluations by relevant agencies, including the Personnel, Budget, and Resource Planning Departments. After careful consideration of fairness across various allowances, the proposed adjustment plan was submitted to the Executive Yuan for approval (please refer to the attached table for details).
In conclusion, the Ministry underscored that in order to strengthen national defense capabilities, safeguard Taiwan Strait security, and encourage long-term service among voluntary military personnel, the proposed adjustments are not only a short-term solution to the declining manpower issue but also a strategic long-term investment in human resources. This initiative is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including greater talent stability and enhanced operational efficiency for the military.