Dendias Reshapes Greece’s Armed Forces: 9-Month Conscription, Tech Training & Reserve Overhaul

A Strategic Transformation for the Hellenic Armed Forces

In what is being described as one of the most comprehensive overhauls of Greece’s military service in decades, the new bill introduced by Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias marks a decisive shift toward a more agile, high-tech, and professional Greek military.

Backed fully by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis — who called the changes “bold, but absolutely necessary” — the bill aims to revamp military training, conscription procedures, reserve service, and career progression within the Armed Forces.

“We’re not here to make cosmetic changes. We’re here to reinvent how Greece trains and maintains its armed forces,” stated Nikos Dendias during the presentation at the Officers’ Club in Athens (LAED).

Compulsory Service Straight After High School – Reduced to 9 Months

For young conscripts entering military service immediately after high school, the mandatory term is being reduced from 12 to 9 months, paired with intensive, tech-driven training.

The new model includes:

• 10 weeks of basic training, including use of simulators and drone operations
• 4 weeks of specialized instruction
• 12 weeks of field training in rapid-response units, mainly along the borders

“We’re investing in military tech literacy — from flight simulators to drones — for every soldier,”Dendias emphasized.

Cracking Down on Draft Evasion – New Rules on Exemptions

The Ministry is also targeting Greece’s long-standing issue with military draft evasion. Over the past three years alone, 30,000 young men were classified as I5 (medically unfit) — 76% of them for psychological reasons.

Key reforms include:

• Final I5 classification only after 5 years, with formal assessment by Greece’s disability certification authority (KEPA)
• Academic deferment allowed only up to age 25 (from 28)
• PhD-related deferments capped at age 30
• Buy-out of service now possible only after age 40, at €1,500/month (up from €900 at age 33)

 “Military service is about fairness. You don’t get a pass because you found a loophole. That era is over,” Dendias declared.

A New National Reserve Corps – 150,000 Trained Citizens

Another cornerstone of the reform is the creation of an Active National Reserve Force, expected to include up to 150,000 citizens, with training obligations lasting until the age of 60.

Features include:

• Integration of reserves and national guard
• Regular call-ups once every 3 years
• Formation of two elite Special Forces reserve units in Rentina and Aspropyrgos
• Incentives: access to military hospitals, military stores, and job security during training periods

“We are building a reserve force not just for emergencies, but as a pillar of national resilience and civic participation,” the Minister said.

Women in Uniform – Pilot Program for Female Volunteers in 2026

The bill also sets the stage for voluntary military service for women, with a pilot initiative starting in 2026:

• Up to 200 women volunteers
• Equal opportunities for training and advancement

Fixing the Broken Military Pyramid – Career Path Reform for NCOs

Dendias revealed long-term structural changes to fix the imbalanced officer-to-NCO ratio in the Greek Armed Forces.

• Current ratio: 1 officer to 0.8 NCOs
• Target: 1 officer to 3 NCOs
• Promotion no longer tied to rank titles
• New responsibility allowances for NCOs
• Salary increases of 13% to 24% across the board

“We can’t run a military where everyone ends up a colonel. We’re rebuilding the hierarchy, giving NCOs real career growth,” Dendias said.

A 20-Year Vision for a Future-Ready Army

The overall plan lays the foundation for a long-term transformation of Greece’s military structure and culture.

Implementation will unfold gradually, with a 17–18 year horizon to allow for smooth transitions and institutional maturity.

“The army we serve today won’t be the army we see tomorrow. But the choices we make now will define its future,” concluded Minister Dendias.

The bill is not just administrative — it’s political, generational, and strategic. With strong support from the Prime Minister and the Defence Ministry, Greece is taking a decisive step toward modernising its Armed Forces, creating a leaner, smarter, fairer system.

It’s a message to society, to NATO allies, and to regional rivals: Greece is preparing for the future — not with slogans, but with strategy.

Source: pagenews.gr