Greece implements new military service training structure

Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias has signed an implementing decision to restructure military service training for the Hellenic Army. This move follows the framework law 5265/2026, titled ‘Transition Map of the Armed Forces to the New Era’.

The new system divides service into three distinct stages, with durations varying by category:

• Private Soldiers: A 10-week first stage (comprising 4 weeks of initial training, 1 week of leave, and 5 weeks of combatant training) followed by a 4-week specialty training phase before operational service. • Reserve Officer Candidates: A 9-week first stage (2 weeks of selection, 6 weeks of combatant training, and 1 week of leave) followed by 5 weeks of specialty training at application schools. • Special Service Reserve Officer Trainees: A 5-week first stage with a 10-day specialty training period to allow for rapid deployment.

According to the Ministry of National Defense's financial services, the implementation of these new training stages will not incur additional costs to the state budget and remains within the limits of the 2026-2029 Multi-year Fiscal Program.