Not all special allowance funds are created equal.
According to a press release from the Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Wednesday, the monthly special allowance for major generals and rear admirals is only NT$50.
Lieutenant generals and vice admirals have an allowance of NT$1,300 a month. The money is deposited directly into their bank accounts together with their monthly pay.
For generals and admirals, the special allowance funds are not listed on their paychecks.
"That is an affirmative," said a high-ranking officer who confirmed the practice but wished to remain anonymous. "That is a mechanism that was established in 1963 and has not changed."
Minister of National Defense Lee Jye (
"The `special allowance fund' [allotted to military officials] is different than what people think it is," the officer said. "The money is regarded as a token of appreciation for [officials'] hard work."
In addition to the special allowance fund, the officer said, there is a "public affairs fund" which is more in keeping with the public's impression of a special allowance fund. Those who make use of the fund are required to submit receipts.
Given the confusion generated by the name "special allowance fund," the ministry amended the "Military Personnel Salary Act" (軍人待遇條例) and proposed to suspend the "special allowance fund."
The amendment is now pending in the legislature.
Asked why the NT$50 and NT$1,300 "special allowances" for generals and admirals had not been changed since 1962, the officer said that there was no particular reason.
"NT$50 was a lot of money back in 1962. It remains a token of appreciation for [the officials'] hard work, and is not used for public affairs," the officer said.
Typically, a major general or rear admiral receives around NT$100,000 a month. The salary for a lieutenant general or vice admiral starts at NT$120,000 per month.
Generals and admirals can receive a monthly paycheck of up to NT$170,000, in addition to special allowances that vary according to the expertise and assignment of the officer.
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