Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides announced cabinet decisions on Wednesday affecting national guard contract soldiers, describing the measures as aimed at strengthening the country’s deterrent capabilities.
Changes to retirement age and recruitment eligibility
Christodoulides said the cabinet agreed to raise the retirement age for contract soldiers from 42 to 57 and to extend recruitment eligibility from 27 to 35.
He said strengthening the country’s deterrent power is a top priority and that reinforcement begins primarily with national guard officers.
Merit-based advancement for contracted officers
A merit-based process will be introduced for contracted officers (Syops) to be allowed advancement to the rank of Sergeant Major.
Christodoulides said it had been a constant request raised during his visits to camps.
Increases in monthly allowances
The cabinet approved an increase in monthly allowances for those serving in the special forces, the frogmen (OYK), and demining units from €100 to €150, and for nurses from €200 to €250.
Link to economic growth and investment
Christodoulides linked the reforms to economic growth, saying that the ability to make such decisions arises through the development of the economy and enables investment in strengthening the country’s defence and security.
He said the decisions were another example of what he described as a responsible economic policy.
How do you think these measures will affect recruitment and retention in the national guard?