Taipei / Comprehensive Report
On the 10th, the Legislative Yuan passed the Military Personnel Treatment Act in three readings, raising the benefits for volunteer military personnel. Regardless of service type or rank, an additional payment of NT$20,000 will be added monthly, increasing the total to NT$30,000, effective from January 1 next year. For a Private Second Class, the starting salary will be approximately NT$56,000. Both active soldiers and scholars believe that this will greatly boost morale and encourage more citizens to enlist.

The military conducted training exercises to maintain vigilance in defending the nation, enhancing frontline combat capabilities while significantly boosting morale. A citizen commented, "This may become an option for job seekers; if the salary is sufficient, it allows for savings. The adjustment in pay significantly improves living standards." This citizen had just completed an interview for a job in education, where the starting salary was NT$33,000, and remarked that the increased benefits for volunteers expanded career options.

Following adjustments made in April and the passage of the Military Personnel Treatment Act on June 10, the pay raise takes effect from next year. The starting salary for a Private Second Class is expected to be adjusted to about NT$56,000, with even higher pay for combat troops, calculated to increase their monthly salary by NT$15,000. An active soldier noted, "The increase in benefits is substantial, and the salary is now stable, reducing fears of instability due to economic downturns or past pandemics."

Moreover, salary levels and stable living conditions play a key role in the decision to enlist. Compared to the starting salaries of approximately NT$32,000 to NT$45,000 in the catering or high-tech industries, the starting salary for volunteers will be NT$56,000. Using the average salary median of NT$37,000 for all employed individuals in Taiwan last year, a military career taken over 20 years could lead to a salary difference of at least NT$4.56 million.

The military's welfare benefits also attract many soldiers to enlist. Active soldiers mentioned, "Visiting military hospitals provides discounts, and specially designated banks for military personnel offer lower loan rates." Researcher Shen Ming-shih from the National Defense Institute pointed out, "Along with salary increases, other military capabilities, qualities, and concepts must also be enhanced, such as understanding drone operations and being equipped with the theoretical foundation to quickly learn advanced weapon systems to effectively utilize them."

Scholars analyzing military salaries considered environmental and cultural factors. Compared with other countries, new recruits in the United States earn about NT$64,000, while Japan’s new recruits receive approximately NT$75,000. The military still remains competitive, but the importance of continuous talent development was emphasized, with experts warning that the general job market may also attract some of those resources. A spokesperson from the manpower bank noted, "Surveys indicate that over 91% of workers are dissatisfied with their salaries. Besides salary adjustments, military pensions are more stable and secure compared to those in the private sector, making the military relatively competitive in the labor market." Whether in the military or private sector, salary and environment are key factors for recruiting and retaining effective personnel.