Greece Conscription

evzones of presidential guard in front of greek parliament armed m1 garands.

since 1914, greece (hellenic republic) has mandatory military service of 9 months men between ages of 16 , 45. citizens discharged active service placed in reserve , subject periodic recall of 1–10 days @ irregular intervals.

universal conscription introduced in greece during military reforms of 1909, although various forms of selective draft had been in place earlier. in more recent years, conscription associated state of general mobilisation declared on july 20, 1974 due crisis in cyprus (the mobilisation formally ended on december 18, 2002).

the length of tour has varied historically, between 12–36 months depending on various factors particular conscript, , political situation. although women accepted greek army on voluntary basis, not required enlist, men are. soldiers receive no health insurance, provided medical support during army service, including hospitalization costs.

since 2009, greece has mandatory military service of 9 months male citizens between ages of 19 , 45. however, armed forces had been gearing towards complete professional army system, government had promised mandatory military service cut 6 months 2008 or abolished completely. however, timetable under reconsideration of april 2006, due severe manpower shortages. these caused combination of (a) financial difficulties, meant professional soldiers not hired @ projected rate, , (b) widespread abuse of deferment process, meant 66% of draftees deferred service in 2005. in august 2009, mandatory service reduced 9 months land army, while has remained 12 months navy , air force. number of conscripts affected latter 2 has been reduced, aim towards full professionalisation.