TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) in Taiwan will increase the night meal allowance for military personnel in response to rising food prices, the Youth Daily News (青年日報) reported on Friday (Dec. 27). Starting Jan. 1, the night meal allowance will rise from NT$60 to NT$100, according to the MND.
The adjustment, however, applies only to the night meal allowance, with no changes to the compensation for missed meals. The reimbursement rate remains NT$50 for breakfast and NT$150 for both lunch and dinner. This move comes as the military evaluates the appropriateness of the adjustment, given that the food price index has surged by 80.34% from 1986 to 2023.
The MND clarified that missed meal compensation is for personnel unable to dine at the base due to unexpected or urgent duties. The night meal allowance applies to those performing duties for more than four hours after 6 p.m. The regulations also stipulate that military personnel who have claimed travel expenses cannot claim missed meal or night meal allowances before completing their travel, nor can they use these allowances as benefits or other subsidies.
This change highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing economic realities with military needs. Observers will be keen to see how this adjustment impacts military operations and personnel welfare in the coming year.
