Military Headcount Up by 10,000 as Recruitment Exceeds Targets
Taiwan’s armed forces now have about 10,000 more personnel than in 2021, with this year’s recruitment goals already surpassed. The military plans to continue expanding its ranks, as manpower remains a key focus amid rising defense spending and mounting pressure from China’s military.
Military Recruitment in Taiwan: Volunteers Exceed Targets, Benefits Set to Improve
REPORTER:
Taiwan’s defense ministry just released a headcount for the country’s military. Our reporter Lery Hiciano lays out what it could mean for the nation’s defense – and what challenges lay ahead.
Here in Taipei, Taiwan’s defense minister Wellington Ku is answering lawmakers’ questions on the latest armed forces personnel numbers.
Now, before he was optimistic about the military's recruitment and retention efforts, despite some difficulties. For the first time in more than a decade, the military is no longer downsizing.
REPORTER:
The armed forces now have 10,000 more personnel than in 2021 — bringing the total to nearly 230,000. With a population of 23.5 million, that’s roughly one service member for every 100 people.
Compared to two years ago, there are 3,000 more active-duty troops — but with new budgets and projects, around 10,000 additional positions are now open.
This year, enlistees have already exceeded the ministry's recruitment target, with more potentially on the way.
Su Tzu-yun (DEFENSE ANALYST, INDSR):
The situation is trending upwards.
Taiwan has increased soldiers’ salaries and improved their overall treatment.
The current number of applicants for volunteer positions already exceeds demand.
REPORTER:
However the outlook may not always be as rosy.
As Taiwan’s birthrate continues to decline, the Defense Ministry must balance reality with its ambition to effectively defend the country from China – which claims Taiwan and says it will take the country by force if necessary.
That means to meet its goals, Taiwan will need to step up recruitment and offer more benefits to those already in service.
Wellington Koo (DEFENSE MINISTER):
Ensuring core competencies and recruitment capacity is essential in advancing policies that transform our military’s force structure and improve recruitment effectiveness.
Filling gaps in combat strength is fundamental to safeguard national security.
REPORTER:
Earlier this year, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced an increased defense budget, and the government extended conscription from 4 months to 1 year.
Much of the focus on President Lai’s defense policy has been on the bigger budget and modern equipment — whether made in Taiwan or bought from the US.
But in the end, personnel form the backbone of these plans, and the government wants to ensure it can fill its ranks.
John Su and Lery Hiciano in Taipei, for TaiwanPlus.
