The first group of female volunteers in the Greek Army were sworn in on Friday morning, in the presence of Deputy Defense Minister Thanasis Davakis and the Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis.
A total of 72 women recruits reported for service at a military training center in Lamia, central Greece, in early June, marking the launch of a pilot program designed to expand opportunities for women in the armed forces. The initiative allows women aged 20 to 26 to complete 12 months of voluntary military service.
The volunteers will serve for one year regardless of deployment location, including both urban and border units. Their service begins with a 10-week initial training phase at the Lamia cener, focusing on basic military and combat training.
This is followed by a four-week specialization phase, after which the recruits will be assigned to units where they will receive operational training in their designated roles.
According to Kathimerini sources, interest in the program exceeded expectations. While the Ministry of National Defense initially announced 100 available positions, more than 170 women applied. Following medical screening, 72 candidates were selected and called to begin service.
