Ministry of Defense to end conscript service at headquarters

Minister of Defense Vassilis Palmas announced that conscripts will no longer be assigned to service positions within the Ministry of Defense or the General Staff of the National Guard starting with the next recruitment cycle. This decision aims to enhance transparency and meritocracy while preventing potential perceptions of unequal treatment. Simultaneously, the Ministry has launched an electronic platform for the 2026 recruitment series to streamline data collection for draftees. Interested candidates must submit their information and supporting documents via this platform by May 3, 2026. Users who complete the submission through the digital portal will receive 20 additional points toward their placement process. Furthermore, an extra 30 points will be awarded to those who attend health examinations at regional medical boards prior to their enlistment. Those who do not use the electronic platform will still be conscripted normally, with their placement decided by the National Guard based on operational needs.