| Military Service Is Reduced to 9 Months |
 Starting in August of 2009 the Defence Minister Mr. Meimarakis has finally decided to reduce the compulsory military service to 9 months instead of 12. This change only stands for the ground armyand not the airforce or the navy. Although a law hasn't been issued yet and made public,the decision is final and has been voted uponby the KYSEA. Those who were enlisted in February of 2009 will serve one month less(11 months) and those who were enlisted in May of 2009 will serve two months less (10 months).By reducing the military service or thitia, the newlaw will require all those enlisted to serve outside their home towns, most likely close to the borders (whereas with the previous law they could be transfered to their hometowns or close to them towards the end of their service). So why reduceit now? More and more young men and women(epagelmaties oplites) are choosing a career in the army, therefore reducing the need for enlisted young men. The measure is meant to also reduce the expenditure in the Defence Department by 15% in 2010 and 10% within the next four years. More electronic means will gradually be used to guard military posts. What does this mean for young men? Basically, it allows them to enter the work force more quickly and it takes a strain off of families who support their sons throughout the entire year of their military service. Although the army pays each soldier a "salary" of approximately 9 euros per month, it doesn't even come close to covering the travel expenses and other daily expenses a soldier may have. Sources: |
