Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung appeared before the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee today to present a special report on the current status of separations, retirements, and personnel recruitment among Armed Forces’ pilots, as well as measures to improve retention. He also responded to questions from legislators. Minister Koo said that, amid threats from the adversary and competition for talent from domestic and international civil aviation companies, the Ministry of National Defense has actively enhanced benefits and compensation while continuing to improve the service environment. The Ministry has completed its plan for the employment of dedicated Air Force pilots and submitted it to the Executive Yuan for review. The plan would create additional positions and extend the service of eligible lieutenant colonels and colonels serving as flight officers, allowing them to remain on active duty voluntarily until age 58. Together with enhanced benefits and personnel training measures, the plan aims to extend pilots’ professional careers and ensure the fulfillment of combat readiness and training missions.
Minister Koo noted that flight personnel have always been central to the Armed Forces’ air defense capabilities and that training them is both demanding and time-consuming. He thanked committee members for their concern regarding the current status of Armed Forces flight personnel. He expressed hope that the special report would provide legislators and the public with a clearer understanding of pilot separations and retirements, personnel replenishment, and retention measures, while garnering their guidance and support.
In the special report, Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Personnel Lieutenant General Wang Chih-hui said that the Air Force had increased its authorized personnel strength in preparation for the delivery of new fighter aircraft. Flight personnel currently stand at 87.8 percent of authorized strength. All flight personnel who have separated or retired so far this year had completed their minimum legally required service. Among those who had not yet reached the maximum service limit for their ranks, decisions to pursue second careers in midlife and recruitment by commercial airlines expanding their fleets were the primary reasons for leaving upon completion of their initial service obligations or after 20 years of service. These factors have made retaining experienced flight personnel increasingly challenging.
According to Lieutenant General Wang, initial training for flight personnel is conducted primarily through the regular programs at military academies and the Regular Flight Officer Program. Recruitment efforts through campus outreach and media campaigns have brought in enough flight students in recent years to meet training requirements. Since 2021, the Air Force has also systematically expanded its pilot training pipeline in preparation for the delivery of new F-16 aircraft. Regarding compensation, flight personnel receive base pay, aviation duty allowances, and supplementary increments. Those with at least 14 but fewer than 30 years of service who have completed their minimum active-duty service obligation may also apply for an active-duty retention bonus. In addition, since July 1 this year, aircrew members assigned to operational flying units have been eligible for a monthly Category I Combat Unit Allowance of NT$12,000, providing a further incentive to remain in service.
Minister Koo said the Ministry continues to improve benefits, compensation, and the service environment to maintain stable flight capabilities. According to the special report, the Ministry submitted its plan for the employment of dedicated Air Force flight officers to the Executive Yuan for review on September 4. The plan seeks to retain 72 highly qualified and experienced flight officers at the ranks of lieutenant colonel and colonel who have served for at least 14 years. They would retain their ranks and could voluntarily extend their service until age 58 without being subject to the existing maximum service limits of 26 years for lieutenant colonels and 30 years for colonels. These officers would be assigned to operational squadrons, VIP Squadron and Presidential Flight Squadron, where they would continue performing combat readiness and training duties. The Ministry has also recommended that the Executive Yuan amend provisions of the Armed Forces Flight Officer Active-Duty Retention Bonus Schedule and the Armed Forces Aviation Duty Allowance Schedule. The amendments would allow these personnel to continue receiving retention bonuses, aviation duty allowances, and supplementary increments, providing a foundation for retaining experienced professionals.