Greece extends compulsory military service to 12 months

The Greek government has increased the duration of the mandatory military service in the Greek Army, the Navy and the Air Force to 12 months, from nine months.

The decision which was reached on Thursday during a meeting of the Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was announced by Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos.

The only exception concerns conscripts assigned to units with special operational and geographical characteristics, such as those serving along the Turkey border or on the Aegean islands.

"The proposal discussed at KYSEA is part of the general framework for upgrading the Armed Forces to personnel," Panagiotopoulos said.

The increase will go into force from May and does not concern those who are already serving.

Greece has enforced conscription on its male citizens since 1914 when the First World War began and is mandatory for all men between the age of 19 and 45.

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