New Pay Scale for Armed Forces: First Increases in April, Full Implementation by October

In an effort to curb the wave of resignations and boost interest among young people for enrollment in Military Academies, significant announcements are expected on Friday, March 28, 2025, from Defense Minister Nikos Dendias regarding a new pay scale for military personnel. According to reports, immediate salary increases will be implemented in April, with full implementation of the new pay scale scheduled for October. Over recent months, political and military leadership at the Ministry of National Defense has worked on a plan for a new pay structure that includes substantial raises, focusing particularly on junior officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and conscripts, with a minimum net salary of €1200 for a newly promoted lieutenant. Extensive discussions have been held with the government’s economic team to secure the necessary funds. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has already endorsed the decisions, which align with proposals from political and military leadership. The restructuring of forces, combined with increased tax revenues, now allows for these raises alongside the new ranking system. Mass retirements during recent crises and recent decisions regarding EOT retirees have further alleviated payroll costs, redirecting funds toward salary increases, NCO recruitment, and higher admissions into Military Academies. Notably, the number of officers decreased by 793 following recent crises, with significant overstaffing in both the Army and Navy. The most pronounced differences under the new pay scale concern lower-ranking personnel facing survival issues due to rising living costs. However, older service members will also see increases based on rank and responsibility. The sharp rise in resignations over the years, coupled with the growing trend of military personnel seeking second jobs to make ends meet, highlights the urgency of this reform. The Navy faces particular challenges due to the unique demands placed on those serving aboard ships. According to POES data, resignations doubled in 2024, with concerns arising from early 2025 figures. By September 2024, 194 Navy personnel had resigned compared to 110 during the same period in 2023, with total resignations reaching 179 in 2023. Similarly, resignations from Military Academies are causing concern, with 94 first-year cadets leaving the Academy of Cadets, Naval Officers, and Aviators by the end of 2024, while first-year student resignations in NCO schools reached 107. Already, increases in allowances for cadets and students in the Naval Officers and Aviators Academy have been announced, rising from €150 to €600. Currently, the salaries of Greek armed forces personnel are among the lowest in the European Union, with a sergeant’s salary slightly exceeding €900 and an NCO or permanent corporal earning around €800. In comparison, a Bulgarian NCO earns approximately €1100, about €300 more than a Greek corporal fresh out of training school. Meanwhile, in Turkey, a lieutenant’s net salary exceeds €1500.