The new model of military service in the Armed Forces comes into effect today with the enlistment of the A’ ESSO 2026, with conscripts reporting to units between 24 and 27 February.

“The new system of service is one of the main pillars of the reform ‘Agenda 2030’,” has repeatedly stressed the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias.

As Mr Dendias has underlined, the changes are considered necessary due to the need to adapt to modern realities, geopolitical shifts, technological developments, and the new approach to military operations seen in recent conflicts.

As reported by protothema.gr, a central pillar of the reforms is basic training lasting 10 weeks, carried out exclusively within the Hellenic Army.

This provides comprehensive training for the modern combatant, with the addition of new subjects (from drone operation to first aid) and a significant upgrade of existing ones (more live firing, marches, and exercises).

The key changes also include the qualitative and quantitative upgrade of catering, a new system of medical examinations at enlistment centers, the posting of all conscripts to operational units after training, and a significant increase in monthly compensation from €8.80 to €100 for those serving in Thrace and the islands of the Eastern Aegean, and €50 for those serving in the mainland.

In detail:

• The number of ESSO intakes is reduced from 6 to 4 (February, May, August, and November).
• All conscripts enlist in the Hellenic Army. Only soldiers with specialized professional qualifications will be internally transferred to the other branches, the Hellenic Air Force and the Hellenic Navy.
• Conscripts enlist in 13 Training Centers.

Closing

• Soldiers serve 12 months, except for those who enlist as early or first-call recruits and those selected or choosing to serve in Thrace, the islands of the Eastern Aegean, ELDYK, and the Evzones Company of the Presidential Guard, who will serve 9 months.

Stages of conscript training

First stage – Basic training, conducted at enlistment centers, including:
a) Initial training, including enlistment week, culminating in the swearing-in of soldiers, and
b) Combatant training, during which the soldier’s operational capability as a fighter is fully developed.

Second stage – Special training, conducted in Specialty Training Units of the Major Command or Formation to which the assigned units belong, or in Lifelong Learning Centers. At this stage, soldiers are trained in specialties and vertical skills.

Third stage – Unit training, conducted in the units to which soldiers are assigned or transferred to complete the remainder of their main military obligation, focusing on their operational integration.

Basic Training (10 weeks)

• Increased duration of practical training.
• Increase in the number and types of live firing. Night firing, pistol firing, and throwing of a training hand grenade are added.
• Increase in tactical subjects, marches, small-unit exercises, and night training, alongside combined training of increasing difficulty (e.g., march combined with firing, night march–firing, and overnight stay outdoors).
• Introduction of training in horizontal skills useful later in life, including first aid, fire protection, and environmental training.
• Introduction of training in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), including theoretical instruction, detection–identification–countermeasure methods, and practical simulator training with scenarios of increasing difficulty. Those who successfully complete the initial simulator scenarios undergo a final test on the training UAS. Successful candidates attend the final two weeks of training, acquire the UAS operator skill, and receive a special badge worn on their uniform.

Special Training (4 weeks)

• Conducted in selected operational units under the responsibility of Major Commands/Formations, in specialized Centers and Schools, and in Lifelong Learning Centers (KDBM). Certain specialties are posted directly to units (doctors, pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, microbiologists, IT soldiers, musicians, chemists, etc.).
• Specialties not aligned with modern operational requirements are abolished and grouped into 19 training specialties (from 46 main ones).
• Pilot implementation of specialty–skills programs in KDBM begins, offering certified specialization through training and practical placement. For the A’ ESSO, the skills include Machine Operator, Lifeguard–Scuba Diver, Armorer, Drone Operator, and a special Cybersecurity program at the School of Computer Programmers.
• Skills programs will expand to more fields in subsequent ESSO intakes.

Posting to Operational Readiness Units (12 weeks) and Selection Units (from month 7)

• After completing basic and special training, soldiers are posted to Operational Maneuver Units, Combat Support, and Logistics Support Units with high demands, with absolute priority to units in Thrace and the Eastern Aegean (70% of soldiers).
• Soldiers are entitled to a regular transfer from their initial unit after completing 6 months from enlistment until the end of their service for 12 weeks (9-month service) or 26 weeks (12-month service). Postings are made based on a points system (knowledge, skills, place preference/locality).

Increase in monthly compensation

• Conscripts will receive €100 when serving in border areas and €50 when serving in the mainland, up from €8.80.
• Conscripts who are children of large families will receive €150 (from €35).
• Significant increases are provided for conscripts who are parents (€150 for one child, €200 for two, plus €50 for each additional child).
• Unmarried orphans of both parents will receive €200, up from €100.

Catering upgrade

• The qualitative and quantitative upgrade of catering includes the implementation of a new supply regulation in line with modern nutritional standards and an increase in the meal allowance from €4.50 to €6.40.
• The new menu is enriched with new items based on the required daily caloric intake for each soldier, allows for individualized portions, and will be provided simultaneously at all training centers.