On September 3rd, which is Armed Forces Day in Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that the government supports national defense and will also take care of military personnel. This year, adjustments have been made to combat unit allowances and professional allowances for military and civil service personnel. Starting in January next year, military and civil service personnel will see a comprehensive 4% salary increase, marking the fifth time in the past 10 years that the government has raised salaries for military and civil service personnel.
In a Facebook post this morning on September 3rd, President Tsai expressed her deepest respect to all members of the armed forces and conveyed gratitude to the families of soldiers who have been providing support behind the scenes.
President Tsai stated that the core of national defense capability lies in its people, and the government’s support for national defense goes hand in hand with taking care of military personnel. Since the previous administration of President Tsai and throughout his term, the government has been continuously adjusting the treatment of the armed forces. Last year, additional allowances were approved for the voluntary reserve, combat units, combat air control, electronic reconnaissance, and cyber warfare units.
In February this year, the drone unit was included in the combat unit allowance, and from July onwards, a third type of combat unit allowance was introduced, providing a monthly increase of NT$4,000 to troops below the brigade level who provide combat sustainability. Obligatory military personnel serving in combat units are also eligible for these benefits.
President Tsai mentioned that in July of this year, professional allowances and supervisor position allowances for military and civil service personnel were increased by NT$2,000 each. Starting in January next year, there will be a comprehensive 4% salary increase, the fifth time in the past 10 years that the government has raised salaries for military and civil service personnel.
Apart from the adjustments in allowances, President Tsai noted that from the “Promote Safety Project” to the “Promote Development Project,” the government is continuously improving the living and training environment for the armed forces while reinforcing support for childcare, and family care to ensure that officers and soldiers can serve and focus on their missions with peace of mind.
President Tsai reiterated his belief that a truly strong nation stems from well-equipped and solid national defense, as well as from all citizens being willing to stand together and unite in the face of challenges. He emphasized that when the military guards the nation, the government takes care of the armed forces, society supports collectively, and the people cherish democracy and freedom, these combined efforts can tackle various challenges, safeguard national security, and preserve democracy, freedom, and peace.