Defense Minister Nikos Dendias unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the modernization of the Greek Armed Forces on Tuesday, introducing significant reforms in both military service and the career system for personnel.
According to Dendias, the changes will affect both mandatory service and career progression, stressing the need “to create a new army.” A key focus will be stricter rules for buying out of military service.
While Dendias acknowledged the reforms to be implemented in the Greek Armed Forces may carry a political cost, he insisted they are necessary and will move forward. He also confirmed that weapons programs are accelerating, with the first F-35 jets expected by 2028, strengthening operational readiness.
Some of the key reforms announced by the Greek defense minister are:
Military Service
- Optional enlistment for women.
- Higher monthly allowance (€100) for conscripts serving at the border.
- Training in advanced technologies, such as anti-drone systems.
- Stricter rules for deferments and exemptions.
Changes will also focus on a new training model to include tech training with drones. In addition, there will be:
- 10 weeks of basic training.
- 4 weeks of specialized training.
- 12 weeks in readiness units.
Career & Salary Structure
- A new salary system with 20 tiers (replacing 85).
- Salaries will be tied to responsibilities, not just rank.
- Increases in responsibility allowances (+156% for Colonels, +52% for Frigate Commanders, etc.).
- Significant raises for NCOs (non-commissioned officers), who also gain new promotion pathways.
- Enhanced housing program: immediate housing for transferred personnel, funded through defense budgets.
- Additional support: daycare network, upgraded military resorts, and family-care benefits.
Education & Training
- Creation of a Military Education Directorate.
- Military academies upgraded with certified programs and university-level faculty.
- NCO (non-commissioned officers) academies upgraded to higher education institutions.
Reserve Forces
- Establishment of a 150,000-strong active reserve with voluntary participation up to age 65.
- Integration of reserve and national guard forces.
- Two new commando units in Rentina and Aspropyrgos.
- Annual call-up of 50,000 reservists for three years.
