05.06.2026 11:50
Women in Greece have begun voluntary military service for the first time. Under the new initiative, 72 women have initially joined the army, and participants will undergo the same training as male soldiers. The Greek government aims to both increase women's representation in the armed forces and strengthen the military's personnel capacity through this practice.
For the first time, women in Greece have begun voluntary military service. As part of a new initiative by the Ministry of Defense, 72 women initially joined the army, with plans to expand the program in the future.
Greece has taken a historic step in its defense policies. Women, who previously could only serve in the military through professional enlistment and military academies, have now begun joining the armed forces under a voluntary military service program for the first time.
Under the new regulation, women aged 20-26 are granted the right to serve voluntarily for 12 months. Women accepted into the program will receive the same training as male soldiers and be subject to the same rules.
FIRST GROUP BEGINS DUTY
According to information in the Greek press, 72 women initially joined the army as volunteers. Following training, participants will serve in designated units. Those who complete the program will be kept in reserve status until a certain age.
GOAL: STRENGTHEN MILITARY CAPACITY
The Greek Ministry of Defense announced that the initiative aims to increase women's representation in the armed forces and strengthen the army's personnel capacity. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias previously stated that this step is a key part of the country's defense reforms.
In recent years, as many European countries have been reviewing their military service systems due to rising security concerns, Greece's voluntary military service program for women is also considered a notable example of this process.