Greece sees surge in military enlistment applications

Greece is experiencing an unprecedented increase in military enlistment applications for the 2026 intake (Δ’ ΕΣΣΟ). More than 10,000 new recruits are expected to report to training centers starting November 9.

This surge follows structural changes introduced by the Ministry of National Defense in January. The new legislative framework has tightened deferment rules, curtailed the use of medical certificates for exemptions, and allowed 18-year-old males to serve before beginning university studies. This has led to a significant wave of first-year university students choosing to complete their service prior to their academic pursuits.

Due to the high demand exceeding existing capacity, the Ministry of National Defense has increased the number of New Recruit Training Centers (ΚΕΝ). Designated locations include Avlonas, Tripoli, Lamia, Missolonghi, Kalamata, Thebes, Poros, Sparta, and reception points in the Evros prefecture.