New Military Service Model Implemented in Greece

The new model for military service in the Armed Forces comes into effect today, with the A’ ESSO 2026 intake. Conscripts will report to units from February 24 to 27.

Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias has emphasized that the new service is a key pillar of the “Agenda 2030” reform. The changes are deemed necessary due to modern data, geopolitical realignments, and technological developments.

A key pillar of the changes is the 10-week basic training exclusively in the Army, which provides comprehensive training for the modern fighter with new subjects and upgrading of existing ones.

The changes also include the qualitative and quantitative upgrading of rations, a new health examination system, the transfer of conscripts to operational units after training, and an increase in monthly compensation.

In detail:

• Reduction of ESSOs from 6 to 4 (February, May, August and November).
• All conscripts are assigned to the Army, with the exception of soldiers with specialized qualifications who will be transferred to the Air Force and Navy.
• 12 months of service, except for those serving in Thrace, the Eastern Aegean islands, ELDYK, and the Evzones Company, where service is 9 months.

The monthly compensation increases to 100 euros for those serving in border areas and 50 euros for the mainland.