[Defense Ministry]
Seventy‑two women reported for duty Thursday at the Army’s Training Center for War Material in Lamia, marking the first cohort to serve voluntary military service in Greece.
The recruits, ages 20 to 26, were welcomed by center officials and the Army chief, Lt. Gen. Georgios Kostidis, before receiving uniforms and touring their barracks. Interest far exceeded expectations: Although the Defense Ministry announced 100 positions, more than 170 women applied, with 72 deemed fit after medical examinations.
Many arrived with a mix of nerves and anticipation. “The army is something I’ve pursued since I was young,” one volunteer said, while Apostolia Karpeta described herself as “anxious but excited.”
The women will complete 10 weeks of basic and combat training, followed by four weeks of specialization, before assignment to operational units.
