Cyprus defense minister announces upgrades for contract soldiers

During the swearing-in ceremony of the 17th batch of contract soldiers (SYOP) at the Larnaca Training Center on Friday, Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas announced significant improvements to the institutional framework for contract soldiers. Key measures include increasing the number of positions for promotion to contract non-commissioned officers from 250 to 400, with career advancement opportunities up to the rank of sergeant major.

Furthermore, the government has enacted legislation to raise the mandatory contract termination age from 42 to 57 years. Minister Palmas noted that under the administration of President Nikos Christodoulides, several additional enhancements were approved, including the upgrading of salary scales from A1 to A2, the implementation of annual increments, and the introduction of new monthly service allowances. These changes follow extensive consultations between the Ministry of Defense and relevant stakeholders aimed at bolstering the professional status of contract personnel within the National Guard.

The ministry has characterized these revisions as part of a broader, ongoing effort to upgrade the institution of contract soldiers across multiple administrative and financial levels. These policies are currently being implemented following formal approval by the House of Representatives.