A closely watched draft bill that foresees several reforms to the armed forces’ structure and the conscription regime was passed by a Parliament majority of 160 deputies out of 295 in attendance and voting. One MP merely voted present, while five were absent.
A roll call vote was requested by two opposition parties on specific provisions. A handful of opposition deputies voted for the bill.
Besides the expected disagreements by opposition parties across the political spectrum – a usual occurrence when a Greek government brings legislation to Parliament for ratification – the bill was also opposed by certain retired officers’ groups.
In reference to the bill and speaking during a relevant debate, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said that “the country previously did not retain a single drone fleet. We passed four pieces of legislation: Salary increases, which were only partially disputed as derived from savings and not from the pockets of Greek taxpayers”.
One of the highlights of the bill is that for a citizen to be classified as a resident in a foreign country, this residency would have to commence before the age of 16.
Additionally, conscription or obligatory military service will not involve the Hellenic Navy or Air Force, but only the army, except in certain very specific categories, such as shipbuilding graduates, merchant seamen, helicopter pilots, aircraft mechanics etc.
Additionally, conscription terms will be nine months for males serving at the age of 18. Basic training will last 10 weeks, and the first tour of duty will be in high readiness units, with a transfer closer to a conscript’s place of residence only after six months of service.
The standard military service will be 12 months; nine months for duty in border regions, special warfare units or in the presidential guard.
Postponement of military service was also reduced, to the age of 25, for instance, for four-year university studies.
The regime for conscription waivers due to medical reasons was also stiffened.
Additionally, the bill allows for the voluntary conscription service of females, between the ages of 20 and 26, and for a period of 12 months. Incentives in this case include credits for public sector hirings, priority hiring for defense ministry civilian staff, recognition of time served for future social security benefits and access to all military facilities.
Currently, women service as officers and NCOs in all of Greece’s armed forces branches, having first graduate respective military academies.
Finally, a non-commission corps of officers reminiscent of the system used by the US armed forces is instituted, with NCOs led by their own chief NCOs, and with the goal being a ratio of one officer to every three NCOs, compared to a 0.8 ratio today.
