President Lai Ching-te visited the 234th Combined Arms Brigade at Ching Chuan Kang South Camp in Taichung today, where he met with personnel who had participated in the field-training phase of Han Kuang Exercise. He commended the Armed Forces’ training achievements and thanked service members for their dedication. The President announced that a new NT$4,000 “Type III Combat Unit Allowance” would take effect from July 1. He said the measure reflects the nation’s respect for military professionalism and represents an important investment in strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities. He expressed hope that every service member safeguarding the country would feel the nation’s support and recognition.
After arriving at Ching Chuan Kang Camp this afternoon, President Lai first watched a documentary on the field drills conducted by units in the Taichung area. He then listened to personnel share their experiences from Han Kuang 42 Exercise and presented a group award.
In his remarks, President Lai noted that Han Kuang 42 Exercise had concluded only last Friday. He said he was pleased to visit the 234th Brigade and hear six service members share their experiences. The President said their accounts clearly conveyed the demands of prolonged, high-intensity training. At the same time, he could sense how much they had gained from the exercise and the strong sense of accomplishment it had given them. Members of the public who initially complained about the exercise ultimately gave service members a thumbs-up and praised the Armed Forces. These responses reflected the results of their regular training, and the President thanked all personnel for their efforts.
President Lai expressed the nation’s gratitude for the service members’ hard work and dedication. Every time the Armed Forces make thorough preparations, the country becomes stronger. A stronger country is more secure and contributes further to regional peace and stability. He said he has always firmly believed that national security requires a strong national defense, and that a strong national defense depends on service members who are respected and free from concerns about their own and their families’ well-being.
Since taking office, President Lai has continued adjusting compensation for Armed Forces personnel. Last year, he approved increases to five allowances covering volunteer military service allowance, combat unit allowance, tactical air control allowance, electronic reconnaissance allowance, and cyberwarfare allowance. In February this year, he also approved the inclusion of drone units among those eligible for the combat unit allowance. The President further announced that, following a comprehensive assessment by the Ministry of National Defense and in consideration of operational requirements and the specialized nature of military duties, a “Type III Combat Unit Allowance” would be introduced effective July 1 in addition to the existing Type I and Type II allowances. Personnel serving in units at the brigade level below that sustain combat operations will receive an additional NT$4,000 per month. Effective from the same date, conscripted officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted personnel serving in combat units will also receive the combat unit allowance on the same basis as volunteer service members.
President Lai added that, in addition to the continuing adjustment of military duty allowances, the professional and supervisory allowances for military personnel, civil servants, and public school educators were each increased by NT$2,000 in July. A further 4% salary increase will take effect next January. This will mark the fifth pay raise for these personnel during the administrations of former President Tsai Ing-wen and President Lai.
President Lai emphasized that the government’s successive adjustments to salaries, duty allowances, and other benefits are intended to create a more reasonable system that reflects service members’ responsibilities, risks, and professional expertise. Compensation should differ according to duties and levels of responsibility while aligning with units’ missions and personnel requirements. Improved compensation represents the nation’s respect for military professionalism and an important investment in strengthening national defense. The President expressed hope that every service member defending the country would feel the nation’s support and recognition and be able to care for themselves and their families while remaining focused on combat readiness and training. The government will remain the Armed Forces’ strongest source of support by continuing to expand defense resources, improve service conditions, and enhance compensation and benefits.
Also attending were National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu; Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung; National Security Council Advisor Liu Te-chin; National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lii Wen; Army Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Li Jung-hua; 10th Army Corps Commander Lieutenant General Shao Chih-chun; and 234th Combined Arms Brigade Commander Major General Wei Tsung-chih.