Military academy enrollments surpass prior highs, marking a new milestone
In a bid to strengthen Taiwan's defense capabilities and address longstanding issues of low morale within the military, the nation has seen a surge in enrollments at its military academies. This year, a record high of 1,687 cadets have enrolled, marking a significant increase and reflecting a push to fill gaps in military personnel as male enlistment remains challenging.
The increase in female cadets, with some academies reporting more female cadets than male, is particularly noteworthy. This surge in enrollment is primarily driven by the desire to demonstrate Taiwan's commitment to its defense and to meet the conditions set by the US for continued international support. As global security dynamics evolve and tensions rise with China, it is crucial for Taiwan to show its resolve and willingness to defend itself.
To make military service more attractive, the government has undertaken reforms to increase military salaries and expand benefits for both contract recruits and academy cadets. These changes are aligned with plans to raise Taiwan's defense budget to approximately 3% of its GDP, reflecting a commitment to enhance pay, benefits, and overall military capability.
Other benefits for personnel, such as priority boarding on flights and upgrades to business class, were implemented at the beginning of this month. Premier Cho Jung-tai has also announced that ministries and agencies will coordinate other perks for active-duty service members, in collaboration with private enterprises and venues.
The Legislative Yuan has approved amendments to the Pay Act of the Armed Forces, effective from January 1 next year. Voluntary military personnel and combat troops will see an increase in their allowances, with a monthly allowance of NT$30,000, up from NT$15,000. Category 1 combat units, undergoing the most rigorous training and having the most duties, will see an allowance increase from NT$5,000 to NT$12,000.
The Ministry of National Defense has confirmed the data as accurate, but did not comment on the details. The article does not specify the location or name of the country where these military academies are based. However, it is known that there are seven military academies across the three branches of the armed forces, including the Army's Republic of China (ROC) Military Academy, the ROC Naval Academy, the ROC Air Force Academy, Fu Hsing Kang College, the National Defense Medical Center, National Defense University's Chung Cheng Institute of Technology, and the National Defense Management College.
These measures are part of a strategic effort for Taiwan to visibly stand up for its own defense and maintain credible deterrence in the face of growing pressures from China and evolving international security dynamics.
[1] https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/03/26/2003684738 [2] https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/06/11/2003736543 [3] https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/06/12/2003736951
In the pursuit of education-and-self-development, some cadets are eagerly embracing the learning opportunities offered at Taiwan's military academies. This growth in knowledge is not only essential for Taiwan's defense capabilities but also serves as a means to demonstrate a strong commitment to its defense and meet specified conditions for continued international support.
