Military

Specialized Units To See Pay Increases To Boost Troop Numbers

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By Ryan Wu/Lery Hiciano

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Some units in specialized roles, like counter-intelligence, drone warfare and tactical air control, are set to receive pay raises as part of the military's efforts to attract and retain talent amid growing threats from China.

Taiwan Military Salaries: Pay Boosts for Specialized Units

REPORTER:  

Frontline units, drone operators and specialized personnel are set for major pay boosts this year with some allowances jumping as much as 140%, the defense ministry says. The move aims to attract recruits, keep skilled staff and strengthen Taiwan’s readiness for a potential conflict.

 

Wellington Koo (DEFENSE MINISTER):  

These related allowances are all part of our overall planning. The main considerations include the nature of each task, its workload and difficulty, as well as the level of expertise required, among other factors.

 

REPORTER:  

In November, the defense ministry revealed that while they were able to recruit more people than expected this year, they’re still operating at only 80% of their full capacity. A gap the defense ministry hopes to fill with these pay raises.

 

But the military is still growing. Last Thursday, President Lai Ching-de announced nearly $40 billion US dollars in funding for a new air defense system, precision munitions and fighter jets, all of which need personnel to operate.

 

REPORTER:  

As the defense ministry focuses on more advanced, complex weapons, keeping skilled personnel is becoming increasingly important. Currently, more than half of military staff receive front-line combat allowances, and the ministry plans to extend these to newer units like drone operators.

 

Wellington Koo (DEFENSE MINISTER):  

For example, drones. There are questions about how we define combat units. If they’re defined as a combat unit, we can include them so their personnel can receive combat-unit allowances.

 

REPORTER:  

Personnel in counterintelligence, air defense, cyberwarfare, and maritime and aviation roles will also see more benefits.

 

All of this comes as China keeps up pressure on Taiwan. The mainland affairs council says five new sites have been built along China’s eastern coast – including air force bases, naval facilities, and fuel storage – all facing Taiwan.

 

Su Tzu-yun (DEFENSE ANALYST, INDSR):  

From Shanghai’s Pudong to Zhejiang’s Yueqing Bay and the Zhangpu helicopter base, these three military bases are all being expanded. They can directly station marine corps units or airborne troops there, posing a threat to Taiwan and Penghu.

 

REPORTER:  

There could be further increases in military pay – this latest report does not include the doubled volunteer allowance that opposition lawmakers approved in June.

 

With a shrinking population, the defense ministry is putting more energy into making military service attractive, and its latest reports show it’s willing to invest heavily to do so.

 

Ryan Wu and Lery Hiciano, for Taiwan Plus.