Nicosia, Cyprus. The government tabled legislation on Thursday to upgrade the institution of contract soldiers (Syops) by extending service limits, improving pay and creating promotion pathways to support staffing and operational readiness in the national guard.
Bill presented to House defence committee
The bill was presented to the House defence committee by Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, who said the reform package addressed structural weaknesses in the service.
“Resolving all issues concerning personnel is a priority,” Palmas told MPs, saying the measures aimed to retain experienced staff while making the institution more attractive to new recruits.
Service age and entry limits to be extended
Under the proposal, the maximum service age for Syops would rise from 42 to 57, while the entry age limit would be extended from 27 to 35.
“It is preferable to retain experienced personnel up to 57 than to lose 1,000 to 1,500 people from the national guard,” Palmas said.
Promotion system and pay measures
The bill would institutionalise a merit-based promotion system, allowing eligible Syops to advance to contract non-commissioned officers through written examinations, with the prospect of promotion up to first lieutenant.
Salaries have already been upgraded from scale A1 to A2, while a monthly allowance has been increased from €100 to €150 for all Syops, and from €200 to €250 for those serving in roles such as special forces, underwater demining units and medics.
Palmas said the ministry was also working to ensure that Syops converted to non-commissioned officers would not face a salary reduction.
Committee reaction
Committee members welcomed the proposals, describing them as a necessary step to halt the decline of the institution.
Committee chair Marinos Sizopoulos said Syops were “of crucial importance for the operational capacity and combat value of the national guard, especially in these difficult times”.
How do you think the proposed changes could affect recruitment and retention in the national guard?
