Taiwan Faces Growing Manpower Shortage, Threatening Military Readiness

Taiwan’s military is confronting a deepening manpower shortage, with volunteer staffing falling short of the 80 % target for the third straight year, lawmakers said. The deficit now reaches frontline units—infantry, artillery, missile and air‑defence—raising doubts about the force’s ability to operate and maintain its extensive equipment. Officials warn that insufficient trained personnel could erode combat readiness and limit Taiwan’s deterrence against potential aggression. The legislature is reviewing recruitment and retention strategies to address the gap.