Military service: Who can serve 9 months and what about deferments

The updates provide key details for young men called to serve, highlighting special provisions for military service duration as well as options for those planning to pursue higher education at universities and other tertiary institutions.

At the center are those born between January 1, 2008, and May 15, 2008, who are being called up for the first time with their class for enlistment in the 2026 Series C (Γ’ ΕΣΣΟ).

According to the Recruitment Service update, conscripts of the 2029 class (born 01-01-2008 to 15-05-2008) are required to enlist in the Hellenic Army between Monday, August 31, and Friday, September 4, 2026.

9-Month Service Provision

A specific opportunity is available for young men in this category:

Those born between January 1 and May 15, 2008, who are called up with the initial draft call of their class (2026 Series C), may be discharged after completing nine (9) months of actual military service—provided they enlist and fully fulfill their main military obligation.

As a general rule starting from the 2026 Series A (Α’ ΕΣΣΟ), full mandatory military service in the Hellenic Army is set at 12 months, barring special legal exceptions.

Student deferment options

A separate category includes young men who took the Panhellenic Examinations and passed into a university, but whose formal enrollment process may not be complete by the enlistment date.

These individuals can apply for an enlistment deferment as prospective higher education students without requiring prior university enrollment.

Detailed recruitment service announcement

Conscripts born between 01-01-2008 and 15-05-2008, called up with the initial invitation of their class (2026 Series C), may be discharged after completing nine (9) months of actual military service upon fully fulfilling their primary obligation, pursuant to Article 246 of Law 5265/2026 (A’ 3).

Additionally, the aforementioned individuals may apply for an enlistment deferment as prospective higher education students under Article 188 of Law 5265/2026 (A’ 3). Prior registration at an educational institution is not required for this deferment. Applicants can submit their request via the official Legal Corps portal at www.stratologia.gr.

User authentication is completed via personal Taxisnet credentials. Applicants can submit their deferment request and required supporting documentation online by selecting the relevant field.

For additional information, interested parties can visit www.stratologia.gr (specifically https://www.stratologia.gr/el/entipa for informational leaflets) or contact their local Military Service Centers or Citizens’ Service Centers (KEP).