The first draft with the new training model: Increased compensation, specialization, and drones
Greece's new military training model will start on February 24, 2026, introducing changes to the enlistment process and compensation for conscripts.
Starting from February 24, 2026, the first conscripts of the new military draft in Greece will begin their service under a new training model established by law 5265/2026. This significant shift in military service entails that recruits will now be enlisted in one of 13 training centers nationwide, primarily serving in the Army, with only those possessing specialized professional qualifications being transferred to the Air Force or Navy. The change is designed to streamline the integration of new enlistees into military structures and improve the overall quality of training.
Under the new provisions, conscripts who are either first-time draftees or have chosen to serve in specific regions, such as Thrace or the Eastern Aegean islands, will have varying lengths of serviceβnine months for certain units and twelve months for the majority. This flexibility in service duration reflects a more dynamic approach to conscription in response to demographic and security considerations within the nation. Furthermore, recruitment will now occur quarterly, instead of annually, thereby increasing the flexibility and responsiveness of the military to changing needs.
The introduction of increased compensation, as well as an emphasis on specialization and the integration of advanced technologies like drones in military training, reflects Greece's commitment to modernizing its defense forces. These changes are critical not just for improving the experience of the recruits but are also indicative of broader strategic goals pertaining to national defense and military readiness in a changing geopolitical environment. This evolution in the military consists of aligning Greece's armed services with contemporary demands and preparing its forces for future challenges.