Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has reported that it surpassed its 2024 military recruitment goals amid preparations for China’s potential invasion.
A total of 13,030 out of the planned 11,940 soldiers for the current phase were recruited, leading to 109.1 percent of the military’s target achieved by September 30, 2025. This moves it closer to reaching the annual total recruitment goal of 14,563 soldiers.
The ministry also exceeded its target numbers in various military programs and units, including enrolling a total of 1,687 out of 1,476 cadets and recording a troop retention rate of 86.7 percent.
The MND said that these gains resulted from enhanced unit organization, deepened campus outreach, expanded media promotion, a streamlined application process, appropriately relaxed selection criteria, and adjusted compensation packages, national news agency CNA reported.
Improving Soldier Welfare
Amid declining birth rates, a tight labor market, and rising operational demands, the MND has adjusted military pay, living conditions, and welfare programs to improve recruitment and retention.
It adjusted allowances for service members in combat, cyber warfare, air control, and signals intelligence units.
This effort, aimed at boosting morale and easing economic burdens, took effect on April 1, 2025.
In June, the Taiwanese government approved higher pay for volunteer service members, giving them an additional monthly allowance of 30,000 New Taiwan dollar ($1,000) on top of increases announced in March.
Legislative changes also guaranteed a minimum wage for conscripts and created pay incentives for combat unit service and overtime.
Additionally, the ministry has begun renovating 103 outdated facilities to improve living conditions for the military through the Xing’an Project, with 87 already completed.
It is also providing new facilities through the Zhanxing Project, scheduled to run from 2026 to 2031. The initiative involves prioritizing the construction of 16 barracks and duty buildings, as well as nine housing projects.
Apart from pay raises and better living conditions, the MND implemented welfare initiatives.
These include priority boarding for active-duty military personnel at Taiwan’s international airports and the removal of outdated ceremonial training, such as bayonet drills and goose-stepping, according to The Diplomat.
