The first group of women to join Greece’s armed forces under a new voluntary military service program reported for duty Thursday, marking the launch of a pilot initiative aimed at expanding opportunities for women in the military.
A total of 72 recruits arrived at a training center in Lamia, central Greece, specially adapted to accommodate female volunteers, where they will begin basic training, the local news site Lamia Report confirmed.
The program is open to women ages 20 to 26 and provides for 12 months of voluntary service in the Hellenic Army.
The authorities have promoted the program as a way to strengthen military participation while offering career incentives. Time spent in service will be recognized as work experience and participants will receive additional points in public-sector recruitment competitions, including applications to become professional soldiers or civilian employees of the armed forces.
The initiative is currently being implemented on a trial basis, with officials expected to assess its results before deciding on its future expansion.
