Despite this, Military Schools continue to show only small increases and relatively low demand, based on the university entry score results from this year’s nationwide exams.

The modest rise in interest is seen as a result of the Ministry’s initiatives to significantly increase cadet compensation. However, defense officials note that more time is needed for all the reforms—especially those involving the modernization of professionalism and human resource management within the Armed Forces under the New Structure—to take full effect.

Nonetheless, the Hellenic Army Academy (Evelpidon) registered 37 more successful candidates this year—114 compared to 77 last year. This is seen as an initial step toward solidifying the major transformations within the Armed Forces.

The Transfer of Vacant Seats

Behind this year’s entry numbers lies a lesser-known detail: the transfer of unfilled seats from the previous year. Specifically, 101 vacant spots from last year were filled, a fact not immediately visible from the score data but viewed as a positive indicator of growing interest compared to previous years.

According to this year’s breakdown:

• The School of Non-Commissioned Officers (S.M.Y.) – Weapons division had the most vacant seats: 162.
• Next was the Evelpidon Military Academy – Weapons division, with 131.
• The Military Nursing Officer School (S.A.N.) had just 16 vacancies.

Attracting more cadets to military schools remains a top priority for the Ministry of National Defense. Minister Nikos Dendias has also announced new incentives for conscripts, introducing for the first time special conscription programs.

As Mr. Dendias stated in a post:

“The Special Conscription Programs targeting undergraduate and postgraduate students from specific scientific fields represent a major step in linking Research, Technology Development, and Innovation with the Armed Forces.”

He concluded:

“We are offering real incentives for those who want to combine their academic studies with fulfilling their military service. We are putting into action our commitment to harness the talent of our nation’s best and strengthen the Armed Forces.”