The defense ministry says the military uses its budget according to a list of legal priorities. Defense Ministry spokesman David Lo made the comments a day after news came out about a marine corps officer spending more than US$4,000 out of his own pocket to buy equipment.
The lieutenant colonel’s purchase of a bullet-proof vest, a combat helmet and a sniper scope for his battle rifle has triggered controversy in Taiwan.
With a limited defense budget, Lo said there has to be a list of priorities.
Lo said, “The implementation of an all-volunteer service is an example. Other priorities include maintaining combat-ready equipment and continuing ongoing projects. Examples are the purchase and maintenance of spare parts and the upgrading of major weapons. Items secondary to [the military] or new projects will then be included on the list, depending on the flexibility of the budget.”
The defense ministry said the military has already purchased 3,000 vests which will be delivered in December.