"'This Country' Offers Shocking Condition: 45 Million Won Bonus for Delaying Military Discharge"

Focus on Strengthening Defense Capabilities to Counter China
"Lump-Sum Bonus Payment for Service Extension"
Goal to Reach 100,000 Troops by 2040

Photo unrelated to the article. Source=Pixabay

As Australia strives to strengthen its defense capabilities to counter China's expanding influence in the Pacific region, it has decided to increase cash bonuses aimed at boosting military personnel numbers.

On the 5th (local time), the Australian Department of Defence announced through the '2024 Defence Workforce Plan' that it will increase defense personnel expenses by AUD 600 million (approximately KRW 550 billion) annually to expand the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and extend the average service period. The increased funds will be used to provide a lump-sum bonus of AUD 50,000 (approximately KRW 45 million) to junior enlisted personnel who extend their mandatory service period (4 years) by an additional 3 years. The same bonus will be given to personnel who have served 7 to 9 years and choose to extend their service again.

The bonus for extending service will decrease to AUD 40,000 (approximately KRW 36 million) starting July next year, but the program will continue through the 2027-2028 fiscal year (July 2027 to June 2028). Following a pilot implementation last year, about 3,100 junior enlisted personnel, accounting for approximately 80% of eligible individuals, chose to extend their service instead of leaving the military. On the same day, Matt Keogh, Australia's Minister for Veterans' Affairs, said in a media interview, "Thanks to the cash bonus program, retention rates in the military are increasing," expressing hope that it will help maintain mid-level ranks facing manpower shortages.

Australia is increasing defense personnel expenses to raise the full-time defense force from around 50,000 to 100,000. According to the Australian government, the expected full-time personnel as of the end of June next year is 58,600. The government aims to increase the force to 69,000 by early 2030 and reach 100,000 by 2040. To achieve this, the annual enlistment, currently about 5,500, must be increased to around 9,000 over the next decade, and the average service period must be extended from 7 years to 12 years. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated, "It is a challenging task, but I am confident that with appropriate funding to improve service conditions, we can achieve the goal," adding, "We also plan to expand opportunities for reservists to work full-time or part-time."

Meanwhile, China is focusing on building allies in the Pacific region by signing security agreements with the Solomon Islands and supporting runway renovation projects on Kanton Island in Kiribati, located 3,000 km from Hawaii. In response, Australia is reportedly concentrating on strengthening its defense capabilities to counter China's expanding influence.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.