With an HR-style approach, focusing on incentives beyond salary increases, the Greek Ministry of National Defense is entering a new phase in the Armed Forces, aiming both to stem the wave of resignations and to attract more conscripts and reservists.

The legislative proposal titled “Roadmap for the Transition of the Armed Forces into a New Era”, presented by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias at the latest cabinet meeting, includes voluntary military service for women, as well as a new salary scale for personnel. However, it has triggered strong reactions from non-commissioned officers, who argue that it undermines their career path and rights.

New Incentives and Career Paths

Current military personnel are expected to hold a gathering on October 11 at the Old Parliament to protest the bill, which they believe negatively affects not only NCO academy graduates but also officers from military academies (ASEI), EMTH (short-term enlisted), and EPOP (professional soldiers), representing a significant portion of active military staff.

At the same time, the Defense Ministry emphasizes the need for a modern and effective army, integrating lessons from 21st-century conflicts such as Ukraine. “We need a new army — and we will create it,” Dendias said, announcing a new conscription model, a revamped active reserve system, and an overhauled pay-grade structure.

Housing Program

One of the key incentives is a 10-year housing plan, funded by the defense procurement budget. The goal is to ensure every military member has a home when reassigned, without needing to search the open market.

Support for military families will also expand, including more childcare centers nationwide and enhanced access to military vacation resorts, now extended to non-commissioned officers as well.

Military Store Discounts & Support Services

To boost the purchasing power of personnel, the Ministry will upgrade military PX (canteens) with discount offers from various sectors of the Greek economy.

Summarizing, Dendias emphasized the overall benefits:

“Better salaries, better career prospects, housing, family support, vacations, and better access to consumer goods.”

Conscription and Reserve Service Incentives

The same incentive-based approach applies to conscripts and reservists:

• €100 monthly stipend for those serving in Evros and the islands
• A new nutrition system based on updated scientific standards
• Expanded benefits for reservists, aiming to grow their number to 150,000

Planned benefits for reservists include:

• Training in advanced weapons systems (e.g. drones and anti-drones)
• Access to military hospitals
• Eligibility for military store benefits

Financing and Employer Cooperation

Dendias also discussed financial aspects:

“We are working with employer associations to secure flexibility for those absent due to reserve duty. We have already agreed with SEV (Federation of Enterprises),” he said.

Funds raised from the buyout of military service will be used to support the reserve program — particularly for small businesses that cannot afford the related costs.

Voluntary Military Service for Women

One of the boldest reforms is the introduction of voluntary enlistment for women.

Benefits for participating women include:

• Access to military hospitals and clubs
• Recognition of service time as professional experience
• Bonus points for ASEP public sector exams
• Eligibility for EPOP (contract soldier) positions
• Priority hiring as civilian personnel (e.g. nurses, childcare staff, admin roles)

The first phase of this program will include 200 female volunteers.