Greek military ranks

Modern Greek military ranks are based on Ancient Greek and Byzantine terminology.

In the army and air force, these names are often based on the unit or post that a holder of each rank usual commands. For example, a is in charge of a , which is derived from an Ancient Greek word translatable as "command", "order", or "class", and in modern Greek is a unit equivalent to a battalion in other armies; hence a modern is a rank equivalent to major in other armies. Similarly, a normally commands a (a word that originally meant "warband"), which in Ancient Greece was a 100-strong hoplite unit, but in modern Greek usage is equivalent to an infantry company. Hence a is the equivalent of a captain in other armies, and the modern Greek equivalent of an army first lieutenant is the modern neologism : literally, "sub-captain". Likewise, the modern Greek equivalent of a sergeant is a .

The suffixes and (or ), which are often found in Greek rank names, are derived from the roots "to lead" and "to rule", respectively.

Officers Officer ranks in the Army retain the style introduced in 1970, with the flaming grenade replacing (since 1975) the phoenix introduced by the Regime of the Colonels in 1973. Navy officer ranks retain the structure introduced in 1936. The Hellenic Air Force, is the youngest of the three services (founded in 1930). Its insignia are based on the British Royal Air Force, while it uses Army rank titles when translated to English.

NCO and other ranks

Non-commissioned officer streams Non-commissioned officers in the Greek armed forces are separated into three streams: ( graduates (PNCO)) (Long Term Volunteers (LTV) and, after 2001, Επαγγελματίες Οπλίτες (, Professional Soldiers). (Reserves (conscripts))

NCO and other ranks insignia NCO ranks (excl. OR-9 and conscript ranks) have undergone some changes through the years, the latest being in 2004-2006. In the army, PNCOs are designated by having two arcs above their chevrons, whereas LTVs and EPOP have no arcs.Ministerial Decision No. Φ.456/12/627472/Σ. 8827/ΥΕΘΑ/ΓΕΣ/1οΕΓ/5/1 "Modifications to the Military Regulation 111−10 On Officers' and Soldiers' Uniforms (Men − Women) of the Hellenic Army" (2006), Article 26 Ranks Insignia, paragraph 2:

(4)For PNCOs ΣΜΥ graduates the free upper edges of the pair of the aforementioned chevrons, close with two 8 mm wide arched lines, in the shape of a circular arc with the concave side facing inward,with a chord length of 90 millimeters.

(5) For all other NCO categories the free upper edges of the pair of the aforementioned chevrons do not close with any curved lines. Pre-existing Standing Orders provisions,namely ΠαΔ (Standing Order) 4-8/79/ΓΕΣ/1ο ΕΓ/6γ On uniforms of the Officers and Warrant Officers of the Hellenic Army codified by a ministerial decision only in 2004,Ministerial Decision No. Φ.456/2/50867/Σ.216 Approbation of Military Regulation ΣΚ 111-10 (2004) Article 26 Ranks Insignia

2. PNCOs' - LVTs': (4) the free upper edges of the pair of the aforementioned chevrons, close with one 8 mm wide arched line, in the shape of a circular arc with the concave side facing inward,with a chord length of 90 millimeters.

3. EPY (Volunteers of 5-Year Obligation) & EPOP: They are identical and worn the same way as PNCOs' and LVTs', with the difference being that instead of the circular arc, atop each rank insignia there is a horizontal yellow-edged strip 8 mm wide and 50 cm long, positioned 40 cm from the inner corner of the rank.

4. OVA (Soldiers on Short-term Re-enlistment): They are identical and worn the same way as EPYs', with the difference being the absence of the flaming grenade which appears in the insignia of the latter. had a singular insignia for PNCOs and LVTs, while EPOP (post 2001), had the same insignia insignia with EPY, which were topped with a straight line. OVA insignia were identical, minus the flaming grenade.

In the navy, NCO ranks have undergone changes since 1975. In the navy PNCOs are designated by having two arcs above their chevrons, whereas LTVs had one arc. In the air force, following the Army model, PNCOs are designated by having two arcs above their chevrons, whereas LTVs have no arcs.

(Conscripts) No equivalent No insignia (Conscripts) No equivalent (Conscripts) No equivalent No insignia

2027 reform

PNCOs Graduates of PNCO Schools will no longer automatically be promoted to OF-1 after 19 years of service. Instead, a new rank structure will be instituted, with a starting rank of , outranking all volunteers from graduation. Promotions to and above will be effectuated by selection, like flag officers, after the 35-year retirement limit. Promotions to and will not necessitate time served in the preceding rank.

PNCOs may be transferred to the officer corps under certain conditions (holding a degree, 14 years of service, etc.). Starting in 2027, all three PNCO schools will confer degrees equivalent to university degrees, like officer academies.

PNCO ranks will be altered as follows: +Pay grade 2027Y12Y11Y10Y9Y8Y7InsigniaName in Greek TranslationHellenic National Defence General Staff CWOHellenic Army General Staff CWOGeneral Staff CWOMajor Formation CWOFormation Command Warrant OfficerWarrant Officer 1st ClassWarrant Officer 2nd Class

+Pay grade 2027Y6Y5Y4Y3Y2Y1InsigniaName in Greek TranslationCommand Sergeant-MajorSergeant Major 1st ClassSergeant Major 2nd ClassIndependent Subunit Staff SergeantStaff Sergeant 1st ClassStaff Sergeant 2nd Class

Volunteers/Professional Soldiers Volunteer ranks are also split in two (with the exception of the rank of ). Volunteers will no longer be promoted to . Promotions to E9-E12 will be effectuated by selection, like flag officers, after the 35-year retirement limit. They may be transferred to the Corps of Permanent NCOs to fill organizational positions if they have completed a specific period of service (e.g., 15 years) and meet academic criteria. +Pay grade 2027E12E11E10E9E8E7E6E5E4E3E2E1Insignia/DescriptionE9 insignia, silver star replaced by golden star with a line to its left and to its rightE9 insignia covered by three linesE9 insignia covered by two linesE7 insignia, flaming grenade replaced by silver starE7 insignia covered by two lines covered by a straight lineE5 insignia, flaming grenade replaced by silver starE4 insignia covered by another straight line covered by a straight lineE2 insignia covered by another straight line covered by a straight lineno insigniaRank

Historic ranks Officers

NCOs and enlisted Arm/corps insignia only (conscript) (conscript) (conscript) No insignia No insignia

See also Military of Greece Kingdom of Greece Army Ranks Royal Hellenic Navy rank insignia Royal Hellenic Air Force ranks

Notes

References

Works cited

Greek military ranks

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