As an integral part of society, the National Guard (NG) inevitably acts as a microcosm of it. Daily life within a military camp does not differ substantially from the struggle for survival experienced daily by thousands of Cypriots across the island. Financial burdens do not cease once a soldier passes the camp gate; conversely, they can sometimes discourage troops from taking leave. While some, if not most, once snubbed military food, for certain conscripts today, it is a valuable and necessary commodity.
A recent visit by the Pancyprian Committee of Mothers and Relatives of National Guardsmen (PEMSE) to the BMH camp, where financial aid was distributed to soldiers as suggested by the National Guard General Staff (GEEF), revealed cases that caused deep concern and sadness. Young men, some of whom are new parents to small children, are reportedly living in conditions of extreme financial hardship, lacking stable housing or the basic ability to cover daily needs.
A particular concern is the fact that some conscripts avoid taking leave because they have no place to stay overnight or money for food. There were even cases where National Guardsmen did not wish to be discharged from the National Guard.
According to the same sources, in several instances, unit commanders show solidarity with these troops and help them by offering funds from their own savings to cover the soldiers’ basic necessities. We were told that such cases are not isolated incidents but appear to concern the majority of social support cases brought before the command structures.
The issue gains particular importance as it relates directly to the conscripts’ mental health. Socio-economic insecurity, lack of support, and a feeling of hopelessness are factors that, according to experts, can severely affect the psychology of young people at a vulnerable age. In an institution like the National Guard, where numerous incidents of suicide have been recorded in the past, the State must address the needs of these young people with greater sensitivity and responsibility.
Efforts by GEEF and the Ministry of Defence
Both the GEEF and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) recognise the existence and magnitude of the problem. Officials told the Phileleftheros that they both see and hear the conscripts, but since the National Guard is a microcosm of society, it cannot solve the problem of the impoverishment of the Cypriot people.
Officials explained that a human-centred approach guides the entire issue. Firstly, identifying conscripts with extreme financial problems is difficult and sensitive. Many young people do not openly come forward to ask for help. In most cases, superiors detect a problem with a soldier from observed signs through daily interaction or from information provided by other soldiers. While no protocol exists for managing these cases, many officers (unit commanders, company commanders, etc.) try to approach these young people and express their support. They try to accommodate conscripts who need to work by granting official duty and overnight leave, though this is applied based on the operational needs of the units.
Poverty Fund and Social Problems Committee
Beyond these individual actions, the MoD and GEEF have officially established the National Guardsmen Poverty Scheme and the “Social Problems Committee” for several years, due to the rise in impoverishment. This scheme offers some extra money to these soldiers, who are selected based on unit commanders’ recommendations, always maintaining confidentiality and secrecy. The financial amount is €100 and is provided every Christmas and Easter. We understand that around 200 conscripts benefited from the scheme last Easter, and another 200 will benefit this Christmas. The annual budget for this scheme is €40,000.
On a monthly basis, in addition to the net salary received by each conscript (the basic amount is €168, which increases depending on family composition), an additional monthly allowance is provided to soldiers who have submitted a relevant application and been approved as indigent by the District Committees of the Welfare Office, based on socio-economic criteria. As mentioned, aid to indigent conscripts is also provided by the PEMSE association, which raises money for their support.
Furthermore, the special “Social Problems Committee,” which falls under the GEEF, examines conscripts’ requests for a transfer closer to their place of permanent residence with particular understanding and sensitivity. The goal is to substantially assist soldiers facing serious social and financial problems, offering valuable relief to them and their families.
Regarding food, conscripts are provided with a daily hot drink and breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. An additional meal is also provided, if desired, to soldiers who are on leave. Concerning the conscripts’ transport to and from their units and the associated cost, officials highlighted the Free Movement of National Guardsmen Scheme. The scheme includes a sufficient number of routes, particularly for long distances. The transport of conscripts is an obligation of the state, and the state bears the relevant cost. Soldiers can also use both district and intercity buses without paying any fare upon showing their military identity card.
As previously mentioned, the problem of population impoverishment cannot be solved exclusively by the National Guard or the Ministry of Defence. This is a complex social and economic issue that requires coordinated action from the entire State. The State must focus on social justice, financial support for vulnerable groups, and the development of prevention and support structures so that no young person or family feels abandoned. Within this framework, cooperation among all institutional bodies and social partners is necessary and decisive for creating a more just, secure, and supportive society.