The government tabled legislation on Thursday to substantially upgrade the institution of contract soldiers (Syops) extending their service life, improving pay and creating clear pathways for promotion, in a bid to stabilise staffing and operational readiness of the national guard.

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,” he told MPs, stressing that the measures aimed to retain experienced staff while making the institution more attractive to new recruits.

Under the proposal, the maximum service age for Syops will rise from 42 to 57, while the entry age limit will be extended from 27 to 35.

The bill also institutionalises 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.

“It is preferable to retain experienced personnel up to 57 than to lose 1,000 to 1,500 people from the national guard,” Palmas remarked.

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 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”.

Disy MP Giorgos Karoulas said the reforms reflected the party’s own recommendations, while cautioning that the rise in the age limit must be accompanied by careful personnel planning.

Akel MP Costas Costa acknowledged that the measures responded to persistent demands from contract soldiers for career prospects, commenting that Syops were “finally being given the opportunity to rise through the ranks”.

Concerns were raised about the impact of an ageing front line, but military leadership argued that experience was critical in specialised roles.

National guard chief Emmanuel Theodorou told the committee that maintaining sufficient numbers and skilled personnel was paramount, particularly in complex weapons systems.

The bill now heads to the House plenum where the government expects swift approval.

“We hope the same approach will prevail in plenary,” Palmas said, adding that the reforms were essential to restore confidence in the Syops institution and reinforce the country’s defence capability.