**Contract Soldiers in Cyprus National Guard Can Serve Until Age 57**
In a significant policy update, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas announced on Thursday that contract soldiers in the Cyprus National Guard will now be able to serve until the age of 57. This change was revealed during a swearing-in ceremony for newly recruited contract soldiers, highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing the military's capabilities and addressing staffing needs.
The new policy allows contract soldiers to extend their service, which is expected to bolster the National Guard's operational readiness. Minister Palmas noted that contract soldiers are now compensated with salaries equivalent to the government's A2 salary scale, which ranged from €15,109 to €18,544 in the previous year. Additionally, there has been an increase in the special monthly allowances for these soldiers. Regular contract soldiers will see their allowances rise from €100 to €150 per month, while those in specialized roles—such as special forces, demining, explosive ordnance disposal, nursing, and engineering machinery operation—will benefit from an increase from €200 to €250 per month.
The announcement comes amid a broader effort to enhance the National Guard's staffing and operational capabilities. Palmas indicated that there are currently 400 non-commissioned officer positions available, allowing the top 400 candidates who apply to secure permanent roles within the National Guard. This initiative aims to attract qualified personnel and ensure a robust military force.
The Defence Minister also mentioned a "strong interest" in these positions, which reflects the increased staffing requirements stemming from various programs under the European Union's Security Action for Europe initiative. In June, the Cypriot government signed a loan agreement with the European Commission to access funds from the Safe programme, which is expected to provide substantial financial support for military enhancements. European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has assured that EU support will soon begin to flow to Cyprus' military and industrial sectors.
The Safe programme has allocated over €1 billion to Cyprus, which Minister Palmas stated will be utilized to acquire military hardware that aligns with the National Guard's strategic priorities through 2030. He emphasized that the initiative is timely, given the pressing need for the European Union to address existing shortcomings in defense capabilities.
Palmas highlighted the urgency of mobilizing equipment and joint procurement programs, noting that a proposed investment of €150 billion by EU member states in high-tech weapon systems is anticipated to usher in a new era for European defense. The overarching goal is to achieve greater autonomy, technological superiority, and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges.
This policy change and the associated funding initiatives signal a proactive approach by the Cypriot government to strengthen its defense posture and meet the demands of modern military operations. The National Guard's ability to retain experienced contract soldiers until the age of 57 is expected to enhance its operational effectiveness and readiness in the years to come.