A great deal of nervousness, but even more excitement, filled the Training Center in Lamia (KEYP) on Thursday morning (June 4), as 72 women made history by becoming the first female volunteers to enlist in the Hellenic Army.
The young women did not hide their eagerness for this new step they had chosen to take in their lives.
The commander of the Recruit Training Battalion, Konstantina Klonari, referred to the occasion as a historic day, stating:
“Today is a historic day for the Greek Army, as we have the privilege and responsibility of welcoming and training the first female volunteer recruits in the history of the Hellenic Republic. Their enlistment completes the equal representation of women in the Armed Forces, contributes to increasing the personnel strength of the Hellenic Army and therefore strengthens its operational readiness, while further reinforcing the ties between the Hellenic Army and Greek society.”
The recruits will remain at the Lamia Recruit Training Center for a total of 10 weeks, where they will complete the first phase of their training, consisting of basic military training and combat training.
“It’s something I’ve wanted since I was young—the Army. I also have the support of my husband, who is a soldier. I’m not nervous. I’m curious,” said recruit Fotini Theopisti.
Recruits Karpeta and Vasou also said they felt nervous, excited, and eager to begin.
After providing their personal information and completing registration procedures, the female volunteers entered the military unit, where they were measured, issued their uniforms, boots, and necessary equipment, and then assigned to their barracks so that their training could officially begin.
