Military Service In Greece…
Not many people seemed to realize that military service is still compulsory in Greece, but it is. At the age of seventeen/eighteen (last year of high school), Greek males must go and sign up for compulsory military service.
There are exemptions for and reduced terms of service for people with medical conditions or certain family situations, but if a person fails to sign up they can be hit with a hefty fine and a prison sentence, regardless if they are exempt or not.
Our Situation…
When Greg’s was born ( he was born here in Greece), we fully expected him to have to do military service. It’s the law of the country we live in and we must respect it…But when it turned out that Greg’s is not quite like other boys his age, we started to worry, as we knew that physically and mentally he just wouldn’t couldn’t cope.
Last Monday it was Greg’s turn to present himself at the KEP office and even though we have papers saying he is different, we were still worried, as things don’t always go as expected.
We Needn’t Have Worried…
Greg’s is exempt from military service!
Not because of any medical issues, but because he isn’t a Greek Citizen. It doesn’t matter that he was born in Greece, what matters is what passport he holds and he holds a British passport!
Things We Did Hear…
We heard that anyone who has done their schooling in Greece, regardless of citizenship, is expected to complete military service.
We also heard that anyone born in Greece is expected to complete military service.
Both ‘facts’ are incorrect.
It Turns Out That…
Male Greek Citizens under the age of thirty-five and living in Greece are expected to do military service.
Being born in Greece to non Greek parents means that a person is exempt from doing military service; unless they have a Greeks passport (making them a Greek citizen).
If a person is born outside of Greece to Greek parents, applies for a Greek passport and moves back to Greece whilst still under the age of thirty-five, then they will be expected to do military service.
We Were Told…
That unless Greg’s wants to apply for Greek Citizenship, then not to worry; something he isn’t considering anyway.
Needless to say we left the KEP office breathing easy, knowing that we had one less thing to worry about.
Is military service compulsory where you live?
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