Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas announced on Monday that conscripts will no longer be given posts within the ministry of defence and the general staff of the National Guard. He spoke at the opening of an electronic platform for conscripts starting national service in 2026.
End of ministry and general staff postings
Palmas said the decision is part of a broader effort to strengthen transparency and meritocracy within the National Guard and to limit incidents that could create perceptions of unequal treatment. He added that while selection in previous years had been based on objective criteria, appointing conscripts to such positions has now been deemed inappropriate.
Position on reported Leopard tank acquisition
Palmas neither confirmed nor denied reports about the acquisition of Leopard tanks from Greece. Responding to a question on a reported agreement, he reiterated the ministry’s standing position not to publicly discuss details related to strengthening the National Guard with weapons systems.
He said the National Guard evaluates its needs and conditions daily and adjusts reinforcement accordingly. Palmas added that Cyprus remains in constant contact with Greece at political and military levels, as well as with other friendly and allied countries.
2026 conscript platform deadlines and consequences
Palmas said the electronic platform for submitting conscript selection details for the 2026 intake will accept applications and supporting documents until May 3, and he called on teens to submit their information in a timely manner. Asked what would happen to those who fail to apply on time, he said they would be appointed to units according to National Guard needs, without being able to express a preference.
Syop examinations for permanent positions
The minister also referred to the examination process for appointing 250 contract soldiers (Syop) to permanent positions, which will take place on May 30. He said the process will include specialised military subjects and an assessment of critical and abstract thinking skills.
Have you submitted your conscript selection details for the 2026 intake before the May 3 deadline?