Athalassa, Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Tuesday that respect for the dignity of every new conscript is non-negotiable as the enlistment process for the 2026 intake got under way. He made the remarks during a visit to the Christos Samaras military camp in Athalassa.
Minister addresses recruits and families
Palmas said the coming days marked an important milestone for recruits, their families, the defence ministry and the Cyprus National Guard as they welcomed the new intake.
He said the National Guard would become the recruits’ new family for the next 14 months and added that they would have both the opportunity and the privilege of serving their half-occupied homeland.
Training and treatment of conscripts
While describing the training programme as methodical and intensive, Palmas said every conscript would be treated with respect.
He said he wanted to assure families and the young recruits themselves that respect for the personality and dignity of every individual is non-negotiable and guaranteed. He also expressed confidence that the officers and non-commissioned officers responsible for training were well prepared for the task.
Changes to military service
The minister said the defence ministry and the National Guard continue to adapt training methods and the overall experience of national service to reflect changing circumstances and modern challenges.
Message to the new intake
Addressing the new conscripts directly, Palmas urged them to feel proud and privileged to serve, noting that some of their peers were unable to complete military service because of health reasons.
He told them they had already completed an important chapter of their lives by graduating from school and that a new chapter was beginning with their service to the country. He encouraged them to take care of their health, approach their training with responsibility and wished them a successful military service.
Briefing on enlistment process
Palmas was briefed on the enlistment process and the measures introduced to ensure it runs smoothly.
In a post on X, he praised the professionalism of the personnel overseeing the process and wished the new recruits a successful period of service, describing military service as a supreme duty to the homeland.
