Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, has revealed that a proposal will be submitted next week to Cabinet for a special decree enabling voluntary military service for women in the National Guard. The first cohort of women choosing to serve voluntarily is expected to be enrolled in late October.
The regulation is grounded in legislation passed last April. Under this law, the invitation for voluntary service of female citizens will be formalised by decree of the Cabinet, much as is done now for the compulsory conscription of male citizens.
Once the decree is issued, the Defence Minister will be authorised, on the recommendation of the Chief of the National Guard, to establish by decision:
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which units and what dates conscription will begin
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the duration of service
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the procedures and method by which female citizens will be registered for service
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any changes in recruitment logistics, selection and placement of personnel, transfers and secondments
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leave schemes, actual time served, and any other details necessary to implement the voluntary service invitation generally.
Significantly, women will only be allowed to serve if assessed to be fit under Category I/1 or I/2, unlike male conscripts who may serve even if placed in Categories I/3 or I/4.
Purpose, effects, and conditions
The measure has been judged necessary to strengthen the operational readiness of the National Guard.
Women who fulfil voluntary military service will also have the option, if asked and if they agree, to join the reserve forces. The current legislation’s provisions for conscription apply only to male citizens.
Voluntary service must last at least six months, and carries with it equivalent legal consequences as compulsory service. This includes crediting of units for social insurance, and service credit relevant for appointments in education and certain public service roles.
