Greece Announced a Major Army Reform: Salaries Will Rise by 24%

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias introduced on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, a comprehensive reform plan related to the personnel of the armed forces. The changes brought by the bill concern ranks, pay, education, conscription, reserves, as well as voluntary service for women. The information is provided by 'Glavcom' referring to greekcitytimes.com.

Main Changes and Incentives

• Voluntary Service for Women: For the first time, women aged 20 to 26 will have the opportunity to voluntarily enlist for 12 months. This will give them an advantage in future employment in the public sector, recognizing the service as professional experience.
• Pay Increase: A new salary scale and higher allowances are being introduced. An average salary increase for servicemen is expected to range from 13% to 24%.
• New Hierarchy and Advancement: A new system of ranks and advancement processes is being established.

According to glavcom.ua: The mandatory service term remains at 12 months, or 9 months for those serving in border areas or specialized military units.

Compensation for conscripts on the front lines will rise from €8.80 to €100 per month. The training process will be improved with the introduction of combat simulators, drone operators, and specialized skills. There are also plans to modernize the reserve forces by forming an active reserve of 150,000 people, and the reserve service term will be extended to 60 years.

It was previously known that Greece would not provide military guarantees to Ukraine, but will continue to assist diplomatically, humanitarily, and financially.

In September 2025, the Greek Defense Minister presented for the first time a large-scale reform plan aimed at modernizing the country's armed forces. The changes concern various aspects of military service, including voluntary service for women, salary increases, a new hierarchy, and a more modern training process. Additionally, Greece will support Ukraine diplomatically, humanitarily, and financially, although it will not provide military assistance. The innovations are aimed at improving the effectiveness and readiness of the country's armed forces in the changing geopolitical environment.