The new military service model in the Greek Armed Forces comes into effect on Tuesday with new conscripts reporting to their units between February 24 and 27.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias presented last year the conservative government’s “Agenda 2030” military reform program, describing it as a comprehensive plan to modernize the armed forces, restructure their organization, strengthen the domestic defense industry, and improve career paths and benefits for service members.

Key reforms include reallocating all conscripts to the Army, ending conscription in the Navy and Air Force to expand the reservist base, and stretching basic military training from four to 10 weeks. Drone training – including both drone and anti‑drone systems – will become a core part of the new training framework, with traditional weapons used mainly for self‑defense.

Service will be shortened from 12 months to nine for those entering immediately after high school. A nine-month term will also apply to those serving in the Evros border region, the eastern Aegean, Cyprus, Special Forces, and the Presidential Guard.

Conscripts will be offered certified training in practical skills, such as heavy machinery operation or healthcare assistance. These programs will follow basic training and last up to four weeks.

Source: Ekathimerini.com