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Bill to Upgrade SYOP System – “Ascension to Pay Scale A8”

Published February 26, 2026, 17:11
Bill to Upgrade SYOP System – “Ascension to Pay Scale A8”

The Government proposed a bill to upgrade the system of contract soldiers (SYOP), which includes salary increases, promotion opportunities, and an extension of the age limit for service. The Parliamentary Committee on Defence discussed the provisions of the bill in the presence of the Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas. The bill provides for the upgrading of the SYOP pay scale, the provision of a monthly allowance, as well as the increase of special allowances for those serving in specific areas, such as the airborne forces. Extending the age limit for service to 57 years will allow the retention of experienced personnel in the ranks of the National Guard. In addition, the bill provides for the establishment of a meritocratic promotion process for SYOPs to non-commissioned officers, with written examinations and objective criteria, offering the opportunity to rise to the rank of archiloches (sergeant). The Ministry of Defence stressed that solving the issues concerning personnel is a priority. The Minister of Defence expressed hope that the proposal would be approved by the Plenary of the Parliament, while also referring to the completion of the internal investigation regarding the theft of explosives and the examination of possible sanctions for the involved personnel.