The severe problem of resignations in the Hellenic Navy, along with the replacement of personnel, has once again resurfaced by the Union of Military Regional Unity of the Islands (ESPEE NISON).

As characteristically reported by the trade unionists of the Hellenic Navy and the Panhellenic Federation of Military Unions, in the first ten days of August, resignations and demobilizations by 43 military personnel of various ranks and backgrounds were published, with almost half of them being officers.

The Hellenic Navy is plagued by a disproportionately high number of resignations compared to the Hellenic Army and Hellenic Air Force, the statement said.

Specifically, the following resignations and retirements took place in the first ten days of August:

1. Fifteen (15) officers from the Higher Military Educational Institution (ASEI) [of which nine (9) are in the ranks of Sub Lieutenant and Lieutenant].
2. Eight (8) officers from Higher Military Academies of Non-Commissioned Officers.
3. Ten (10) Volunteering Officers.
4. Two (2) Warrant Officers (from Higher Military Academies of Non-Commissioned Officers and Volunteering Officers).
5. Four (4) Non-Commissioned Officers from Higher Military Academies of Non-Commissioned Officers.
6. Four (4) Non-Commissioned Officers (Professional Soldiers).

Also read: HNDGS | Recruitment of Military Personnel (Professional Soldiers)

Concerns over personnel replacement

The announcement states:

“While resignations do not seem to decrease, the Officers’ and Non-Commissioned Officers’ Military Academies seem to be discredited, and the School of Naval Cadets, in particular, which is one of the most conventional academies in our country: the admission basis for Fighters is lower than the respective one for the Non-Commissioned Officers (which remained unchanged), which has been slightly surpassed by the one for Engineers’ Military Academy.

At the same time, a large part of the resignations come from officers who graduated from the Hellenic Military Academies. Obviously, this is no coincidence.

Young men and women seem to be systematically avoiding the Hellenic Navy, at a time when officer resignations are on the rise. The problem is known. Have solutions been found?

For several months, the trade unionists of the Hellenic Navy have been highlighting (through their Federation) the highly serious problems in the daily working life of officers: unfairness in transfers, administrative arbitrariness, continuous exacerbation of working conditions and rights, excessive workload, increased average age etc.

Even fundamental rights such as the ability to make or support a family are being overshadowed by increasing service needs.

The ESPEEN of Attica asks about the future of this situation and requests a meeting with the relevant agencies to set forth its positions for improving conditions and supporting military personnel in the Hellenic Navy.

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