The Greek defense and education ministries are reportedly set to jointly announce a handful of measures to attract more cadets and midshipmen to the country’s three main military academies (army, navy, and air force), part of an overall initiative to make an armed forces career more attractive for young adults.
According to media reports, the ministries will announce significant incentives – including a hike in the monthly stipend paid to cadets – and allow university entrance exam takers to choose tertiary military academies regardless of their secondary studies.
Some 450 spots at the three main military academies and in NCO schools remained vacant this year.
Furthermore, the declining number of graduates from officer schools, particularly from the naval academy, combined with the resignation of active personnel has created serious staffing challenges for Greece’s military.
In order to address the issue, the relevant ministers are set to announce the first measure, according to which candidates from all fields will be granted the right to apply for military schools.
What’s more, a salary adjustment for cadets in military academies will be announced, raising the monthly stipend from 150 euros students to 600 euros.
Additionally, the Greek defense ministry is reportedly ready to upgrade living quarters at existing facilities.
The plan also includes granting the Higher Military Educational Institutions (ASEI) the ability to award doctoral degrees, allowing these institutions to engage in industrial research that could prove beneficial for the armed forces in the future.
The ultimate goal of the ministry is to redefine and upgrade the career prospects of professionals officers.
