TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense said Tuesday it has exceeded its 2024 recruitment goals, reaching 109.1% of the target by September and raising its troop retention rate to 86.7%.

In a report to the Legislative Yuan, the ministry said it recruited 13,030 soldiers out of the planned 11,940 by the end of September, per CNA. To counter Taiwan’s low birthrate and tight labor market, the ministry said it has stepped up recruitment campaigns and increased pay to attract young people.

The ministry said the military academy’s regular program enrolled 1,687 cadets, surpassing its target of 1,476, while other units also exceeded phased recruitment goals. It added that phased management and flexible resource allocation will sustain momentum through the end of the year.

Amid rising regional threats, the ministry has adjusted five types of allowances — for volunteer soldiers, combat units, cyber warfare, air control, and electronic reconnaissance — to improve morale and ease family burdens. The new pay structure took effect on April 1.

To improve living conditions, the ministry said it is renovating aging facilities, with 87 of 103 projects completed. It also plans to launch a housing program next year, including 25 new barracks and dormitory projects scheduled through 2031.

The ministry said these measures have helped reduce attrition by roughly 1,000 personnel compared to last year. It pledged to continue cultivating troops to maintain Taiwan’s combat readiness.