Athalassa, Cyprus. Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Wednesday that the allocation of new conscripts to their posts follows an objective, transparent and fair procedure. Speaking during the random allocation process at the Christos Samaras military camp in Athalassa, he said positions were assigned exclusively through certified software using data submitted by the conscripts.
Allocation process
Palmas said the software processed information entered by conscripts through the electronic platform for submitting data for the Conscript Soldiers Training Cycle, known as ESSO.
He said the software applied scoring data without any human intervention in shaping the final result.
According to Palmas, the use of the software ensured the integrity of the process, with the allocation of positions resulting exclusively from objective data, the declared preferences of the conscripts and the needs of the National Guard.
He said the results would be communicated to conscripts on the day of their enlistment.
Fairness and oversight
Palmas said the aim was to achieve the fairest and most equitable result based on detailed criteria applied to all conscripts.
The defence ministry told the Cyprus Mail on Wednesday that while there have never been any official complaints about conscripts with connections receiving favourable positions, the system was introduced in recent years to reassure conscripts and their parents that National Guard posts are allocated fairly.
Support for conscripts
Palmas said the National Guard would take all necessary steps to ensure the smooth integration of new conscripts into the military environment, regardless of the unit to which they are assigned.
He said conscripts would have the continuous support of the National Guard.
Palmas added that the aim was for military service to be a constructive experience that contributes to both the operational training and personal development of conscripts in an environment of security and respect.
ESSO platform
The ESSO platform requires conscripts to submit a declaration of information and the necessary documents, and to register their preferences for selection and allocation to the branches, arms and corps of the National Guard, as well as their placement in units.