Greece’s Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the first group of conscripts for 2026, highlighting what he described as the beginning of a “new military service.”
The ceremony took place at a military training center in Avlona, near Athens, where newly enlisted soldiers of the year’s first intake formally took their oath. Senior military officials, representatives of the armed forces and security services, as well as families and local authorities, were also present.
In his address, Dendias acknowledged that the system is not perfect but emphasized that the current intake represents “the first important step of a major change.” He spoke of a different approach to military service, aimed at adapting to modern needs while strengthening the country’s defense.
“This new service is absolutely necessary for us to exist as an independent democratic country, with the right to choose our future,” he said.
Addressing the families of the conscripts, the minister underlined the symbolic importance of military service, linking it to historical traditions. He described enlistment as a transition “from citizen to soldier,” echoing concepts rooted in ancient Greek history, where bearing arms marked the passage into civic responsibility.
Dendias congratulated the recruits on completing their initial training and wished them success in their service.
