Greece is preparing to welcome the first women to voluntarily undertake military service under a new program designed to broaden participation in the country’s armed forces, according to tovima.com
The inaugural group of female volunteers is expected to begin service on Thursday as part of the Hellenic Army’s second intake of 2026 conscripts. Their training will take place at a military facility near Lamia in central Greece.
The scheme is open to women aged between 20 and 26 who satisfy the required fitness standards and do not have serious criminal convictions. Participants will serve for 12 months under the same terms and conditions that apply to male conscripts.
Women who enlist will also be able to apply for reserve officer training through the same selection process used for men. In addition, they will receive access to military healthcare services, gain advantages in certain public-sector recruitment processes and have their service counted as professional experience.
The introduction of voluntary military service for women represents a notable development for Greece, where compulsory service has traditionally applied only to men. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen recruitment and ensure the armed forces are equipped to meet future staffing needs.
In recent years, the government has introduced a range of reforms aimed at modernising the military, improving operational readiness and attracting new recruits. These measures have included updates to career pathways, training programs and recruitment strategies in response to demographic challenges and evolving regional security concerns.
Prior to the launch, the Hellenic Army promoted the initiative as an opportunity for women to contribute to national defence while gaining valuable skills and career benefits.
Source: tovima.com
