The Ministry of National Defense has reached even the most privileged personnel categories in its ongoing reforms, as 581 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) holding “Non-Organizational Positions” (EOTH) will lose their special privileges, such as exemption from deductions, according to an official statement issued by the Pentagon.

Specifically, “Following directives from the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, to the General Staffs, and as part of the rationalization of Armed Forces personnel numbers under the ‘Agenda 2030,’ the relevant Evaluation Councils ruled that all officers (formerly NCOs) in Non-Organizational Positions (EOTH) who have completed 35 years of actual service and possess full pension rights—which remain unaffected—shall not be retained,” the statement reads.

Furthermore, “This development effectively puts an end to a paradoxical system where personnel who had not been promoted were essentially rewarded with continued service in the military under Non-Organizational Positions. At the same time, this move rectifies an injustice against personnel who were previously discharged,” the Ministry of National Defense stated, adding that “the elimination of this practice contributes to the rational allocation of resources and personnel, allowing a fresh approach to the wage structure of Armed Forces personnel. It is noteworthy that between 2020 and 2025, the annual total payroll cost for officers in Non-Organizational Positions exceeded €157 million.”

It should be noted that in addition to the 581 positions occupied by EOTH NCOs, reports indicate that approximately 35 officers fall into the same category. Both groups effectively remained in the Armed Forces through a “back door” mechanism to take advantage of the special privileges they had secured.