Taiwan Defense Minister: Management Results in Significant Decline in Number of Discharged Servicemen This Year

The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China announced today that the number of military personnel retiring after serving 20 or 10 years has been relatively consistent over the past three years, with a significant decrease noted so far this year. Minister of National Defense Gu Li-Xiong pointed out that under a more humane management approach, the military will gradually see the effects, emphasizing the need for strengthening retention and recruitment efforts in terms of talent.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of National Defense, it was clarified that the reports in the media suggesting a surge in officer retirements due to tension in cross-strait relations and increased military readiness pressure were not factual. Facing challenges such as a declining birth rate and competition from the private sector for talent, the military has adopted a “people-oriented” philosophy to optimize policy management, reduce formalities, improve operational efficiency, and offer good and fair treatment to attract and retain talent.

The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China stated that it has increased the “voluntary service allowance” and the “combat unit allowance,” aiming to bring multiple benefits of manpower stability and enhancement of capabilities through long-term investment in talent.

Furthermore, the Taiwan Ministry of Defense elaborated on ongoing efforts to update and improve equipment and care relevant to personnel. This includes the production and distribution to the military of new rifles and next-generation body armor. Projects like the Xing’an program to enhance camp facilities and living environments have seen 83 cases completed by the end of last year. Regarding family care facilities, 380 new housing units were built by the end of last year, with plans for an additional 680 units in the next phase.

The Taiwan Ministry of Defense stated that efforts in various policy measures have shown initial success in manpower growth. For example, the number of voluntary retirements in 2024 decreased by 325 compared to 2023, and the retention rate in 2024 increased to 82%, indicating a significant increase in personnel choosing to stay, reflecting the positive impact of the enhanced service environment.

Emphasizing the unwavering commitment of military personnel to defend national security and safeguard their homeland, the Taiwan Ministry of Defense highlighted the dedication of soldiers in facing increasingly severe threats and their resolute training and readiness efforts without flinching in the face of danger. They urged the media to refrain from biased reporting that may mislead the public.

Today, the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee reviewed a draft amendment to certain articles of the “Military Service Regulations for Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force,” with Minister of National Defense Gu Li-Xiong in attendance for questioning, prior to which he participated in a media interview.

Minister Gu Li-Xiong mentioned that the number of military personnel retiring follows a normal distribution trend, with a noticeable decrease seen in those retiring after 20 or 10 years of service this year. He emphasized that under a humane and people-centric management approach, the military will gradually see positive outcomes, but cautioned against complacency, stressing the need for continued improvement in retention and talent recruitment efforts.