The National Defense Ministry is getting ready to implement the newly-passed
amendments to the Military Personnel Compensation Act, which increases the
pay for both volunteer and conscripted soldiers.

The Ministry of National Defense estimates that the new measure will cost an
additional $30 billion NT a year from the national coffers, and benefit some
215-thousand troops.

Under the revised bill, monthly allowances for volunteer soldiers will
increase to $30,000 NT, up from the current $13,000 to $15,000 NT.

For conscripted soldiers on active duty, their monthly pay must not be lower
than the minimum wage set by the Minimum Wage Act.

Currently a private second class soldier earns $22,000 NT per month, while
the minimum wage this year stands at 28,590 NT.

MND officials say the new expenditure will be included in the Ministry's
budget next year.

(JL)