A new program for the utilisation of scientifically qualified Greek citizens who are called to fulfil their military service is being launched by the Ministry of National Defence through the newly established Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI).

Selected conscripts will have the opportunity to serve their military service by assuming special roles in order to support the new priorities of the Hellenic Armed Forces implemented by HCDI, such as artificial intelligence applications, unmanned systems, advanced cybersecurity, etc.

The new program through HCDI will concern conscripts with doctoral degrees in technical or economic fields, while preference will be given in any case to those with research experience or have participated in the establishment and operation of start-up companies in the field of technology. 

The new type of term will be fulfilled in the research centres of the Hellenic Armed Forces and in the newly established HCDI, which is the connection arm of the Hellenic Armed Forces with the innovation ecosystem and start-ups, with the aim of promoting a new defence innovation ecosystem in the private sector. 

The elite conscripts will cooperate with cutting-edge units of the Hellenic Armed Forces, but also with private sector companies. 

Also read: HNDGS | Memorandum of Cooperation signed by the Ministry of Defence, HCDI and HAI

The duration of military obligation will be the same as the conscript, but the selected conscripts will serve as Reserve Officer Cadets immediately after their basic training. Upon completion of six (6) months of military duty, they will be awarded the rank of Reserve Second Lieutenant. 

At the same time, after the completion of the military obligation, the elite conscripts will be able to continue the cooperation with HCDI, either as permanent employees or as external consultants, with the possibility of promotion in both cases up to the rank of Captain. 

The new program has already attracted interest from private sector companies in order to utilise the elite conscripts who complete it after their service ends. 

Holders of PhDs in the following disciplines will be able to participate in the program:

• Information Technology / Computer Engineering 
• Emerging technologies / Artificial intelligence / Robotics and automation 
• Economics / Business Administration
• Biology 
• Applied mathematics/physics 
• Mechanical, Naval, Aeronautical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineers

Also read: HCDI | 1st Innovation Action