Voluntary military service for women ages 20–26, criteria and benefits

Through a promotional video with the central slogan “the responsibility for the homeland concerns everyone,” the army encourages the active participation of women in national defense while also highlighting the professional opportunities that military service can offer.

The video initially shows a young man and a young woman standing outside a recruit training center. Ultimately, the woman is the one who enters the facility. The video then follows the training process with the participation of women, the awarding of their ranks, and the conditions set by the Army General Staff for participants, while the central message “the responsibility for the homeland concerns me as well” is heard.

The process and deadlines
Interested women aged 20 to 26 can submit their applications online through the official Hellenic Army website until March 31.

The service will last 12 months, while the selection process is expected to reach its peak in April. The goal is for the first volunteers to enter military camps—primarily at the War Materiel Training Center in Lamia—by the end of June.

Selection criteria

To enlist, candidates must meet specific requirements:

Be between 20 and 26 years old
Be classified as physical fitness category I/1 or I/2
Have a clean criminal record
Volunteers will receive the same military status as male soldiers and will be subject to the same laws and regulations. They will also have the opportunity to be selected as Reserve Officer Cadets.

Strong incentives and career opportunities

According to the Army General Staff, voluntary service is not only an act of contribution but also comes with an attractive package of benefits linked to the labor market:

Additional points in ASEP public-sector recruitment, offering a competitive advantage
Recognition of service as professional experience, strengthening participants’ CVs
Career advancement opportunities, including reenlistment as Short-Term Reenlistment Soldiers (OBA) or recruitment as Professional Soldiers (EP.OP.)
Social benefits, including access to military hospitals and officers’ clubs
Priority for university graduates, with special provisions for hiring graduates as civilian personnel (nurses, administrative staff, etc.) in positions within the Armed Forces
After completing their service, the women will be registered in the Hellenic Army reserve until the age of 40.

Through its campaign video, the Army General Staff emphasizes that participation is a personal choice that transforms responsibility into action, strengthening both the country’s future and that of the volunteers themselves.