The leadership of the Ministry of National Defense aims to address the disparity between the number of senior officers and the actual size of the standing army, providing a clear initial indication with the recent extraordinary military reviews.

By opting for high-profile retirements, the Ministry appears determined to align with European realities and the international need for rationalized military structures amidst a turbulent geopolitical landscape. This issue was highlighted by the U.S. Secretary of Defense-designate, Pete Hegseth, during his Congressional hearing. Hegseth remarked that the U.S. won World War II with seven four-star generals, whereas it now has 44—a revelation that serves as both a warning and acknowledgment of the U.S. and Western military’s evolving readiness.

In this context, Hegseth summarized his doctrine as follows: “We don’t need more bureaucracy at the top; we need more empowered warriors at the bottom,” a sentiment already reflected in the policies of his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias.

Trends of Departure

The situation is particularly striking considering that Greek senior officers outnumber their counterparts in the U.S. and many European and NATO nations, raising eyebrows among foreign military leaders over the years.

For instance, as one high-ranking EU military official once quipped to a Greek counterpart, “You must be hiding a 400,000-strong army somewhere,” upon learning that Greece has 60 generals—a number incomprehensible even for global superpowers with undisputed capacity to project power across land, air, and sea.

In absolute numbers, the Greek Armed Forces boast six times more major generals (or equivalent ranks) and 11 times more brigadiers (or equivalent ranks) than the U.S. In Greece, there are 2.35 senior officers per 1,000 soldiers—despite the U.S. having 32 times Greece’s population.

Beyond the surplus of senior officers, a key issue for the Greek Armed Forces is balancing the numbers of officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). These two groups have nearly reached numerical parity, despite significant differences in their military training levels.

Additionally, the career advancement pipeline for highly skilled younger officers has stagnated, exacerbating a wave of resignations among permanent officers over the past three years.

The Impact of Hierarchical Surplus

The disproportionate ratio of senior officers significantly affects the functionality and deterrent capability of NATO-member armed forces, as demonstrated by their structural designs.

The U.S., for example, with its high ratio of senior officers, employs 809 generals across its 1.4-million-strong Army, 250 in the Navy with 330,000 personnel, and 250 in the Air Force with 320,000 personnel.

In the UK, there are only 56 senior officers for a 73,000-strong Army, 25 in the Navy (33,000 personnel), and 20 in the Air Force (35,000 personnel). France has approximately 100 senior officers for its 112,000 combat-ready Army, around 30 for the Navy, and a similar number for the Air Force.

Russia operates with just 1,000 senior officers overseeing a 1.5-million-strong standing army, 100 in the Navy, and about 75 in the Air Force. Meanwhile, China’s People’s Liberation Army, with over 2 million personnel, has around 2,000 senior officers.

Structural Challenges in Greece

In Greece, the hierarchical surplus is most evident in the ratio of NCOs to officers. With just six ranks for NCOs (Private, Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Master Sergeant, and Warrant Officer), the system has created a bottleneck in career progression, compounded by varying speeds of promotion for officers from different backgrounds.

Even NATO nations maintain a standard of one senior officer per 1,500 soldiers (as in the U.S.), but Greece has far surpassed this benchmark. The country is even further removed from non-NATO models, like Russia and China, which prioritize mass manpower over an expansive administrative hierarchy.

However, a leaner leadership structure does not automatically guarantee operational efficiency. While reducing senior ranks can cut costs, including salaries and infrastructure, smaller command structures may struggle to achieve specialization, optimized planning, and swift response capabilities.

Reforms in Greek Armed Forces Structure

Regardless of international or European norms, the pressing need for significant retirements in the Greek Armed Forces arises primarily from their new organizational framework. Recently approved by Parliament and the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), this structure aims for swift and effective restructuring.

Following nearly 15 years of limited advancements in equipment, missions, and technological integration, the “Agenda 2030” reform spearheaded by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias targets not only numerical rationalization but also enhancing the country’s deterrent capabilities amid ongoing geopolitical instability.

A New Salary Framework

Efforts to rationalize the structure and operations of the Armed Forces extend beyond merging bases, duties, and senior officer ranks. A comprehensive review of modern needs could pave the way for a new salary framework, considering the compensation of equivalent ranks in other European NATO countries and the lucrative packages available to specialized personnel in the private sector.

While a general salary adjustment is pending, phased raises and allowances are being introduced to address long-standing demands. The financial crisis also took a toll on even the most active members of the Armed Forces, prompting initial relief measures in recent years.

For example, 24 million euros were allocated as special compensation for Navy crews. Additionally, the Special Missions Allowance was introduced, and night duty compensation for military personnel increased by 20%. Furthermore, student compensation at military academies was quadrupled, addressing declining enrollment interest over the past two years.

Housing Support and Future Developments

A notable initiative is the Housing Program by the Ministry of National Defense, which aims to alleviate the burden of rent for personnel relocating due to transfers. With 1,000 housing units currently under construction, the first wave is expected to be ready by 2026, with an additional 3,000 units planned by 2030. Priority will be given to border regions.

Meanwhile, from July, the Special Working Conditions Allowance will be renamed to include a Hazard Component, with a 100-euro monthly increase—a signal of upcoming improvements in military pay.

Defense Minister Dendias has confirmed plans for salary adjustments aligned with a new qualifications framework, the New Forces Structure, and advanced technological capabilities. Once these conditions are met, a revised salary framework will enhance military compensation.

As Dendias stated, “Improving the living conditions and remuneration of Armed Forces personnel remains a top priority for the Ministry of National Defense, within the framework of the budget and fiscal policy,” emphasizing the need for a balance between financial constraints and daily operational demands.