[Speech of Encouragement for Forces Conducting Immediate Response Military Drills] President Lai: Adjusts Military Benefits and Urges Opposition Parties to Support the Military

On March 21, President Lai gave an inspirational speech to forces conducting immediate response military drills and thanked the military for safeguarding the nation. President Lai noted that the government was the backbone of support for the military and that the adjusted military allowances would take effect on April 1. Such measures are meant to ensure that the family needs of service members are met while they carry out combat readiness operations, and reflect the government’s commitment to the well-being of each service member.

President Lai headed to Songshan Air Force Base on April 21 to encourage the 2nd Garrison Team, who were participating in the immediate response military drills. President Lai thanked all service members for their efforts and assured them that the government would be a pillar of support for the military. He also announced that adjusted military allowances would take effect on April 1, assuring that each service member's families would be provided with better care. Finally, President Lai urged opposition parties to reconsider their cut to the defense budget, hoping that they set aside their differences and come together to support the military. He vowed to provide all possible support for the military and expressed hope that the military would stand with him in defending democracy and freedom.

President Lai was accompanied by Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, and Wellington Koo, Minister of National Defense, during his review of military forces. Throughout his visit, President Lai used this opportunity to better understand combat readiness operations and missions, and even presented cash gifts to service members in appreciation of their efforts.

President Lai stated that the military was fully committed to conducting immediate response military drills, aiming to enhance national defense through military drills focusing on rapid response and advanced training, thereby empowering the nation to maintain regional stability. He thanked all service members for their dedication to safeguarding the nation, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.

President Lai noted that Taiwan, a responsible member of the international community, has consistently sought to preserve the peace and stability of the region. Despite facing an aggressively expanding authoritarian state, Taiwan will stand steadfast with democracy and freedom, opposing any form of aggression or annexation and preserving the status quo.

Increased allowances for volunteer service members will take effect on April 1.

President Lai noted that the foundation of the nation and its confidence, lies in the military, who bear the hopes of all the nation’s people. President Lai and the government thanked the military for their service and, to show his support, said that he had instructed military allowances to be increased after taking office. By prioritizing the welfare of junior-ranking service members, he hoped that their families would be well cared for while they performed their duties.

President Lai announced that the government would increase allowances for volunteer service members, as well as for those in combat units. Officers below the rank of Major (or Lieutenant Colonel), NCOs, and enlisted members form the backbone of combat forces and shall therefore have their allowances increased from NT$10,000 to NT$15,000. Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels (or Commanders and Captains) shall have their allowances increased by NT$4,000. General and flag officers shall have their allowances increased by NT$3,000.

President Lai announced that the allowances for combat units would also be increased. Taking into account the numerous training and duties of the first type of combat units, their allowances shall be increased from NT$5,000 to NT$12,000. The second type of combat support units shall have their allowances increased from NT$3,000 to NT$7,000. Junior ranking service members in combat units will be eligible to receive an allowance of up to NT$12,000. These efforts exemplify the government’s commitment to caring for service members. These changes will take effect on April 1.

President Lai stressed that the road to improving military benefits required long-term commitment and thorough discussion. He reiterated his hopes that the opposition parties could reconsider their cut to the defense budget, urging them to unite with him in supporting the military.

Source: Youth Daily News (2025.3.22)