As Cyprus prepares to mark another year of compulsory national service, a concerning reality is emerging from military barracks. Young conscripts are increasingly confronting severe financial difficulties, impacting their ability to cover essential living expenses and potentially diminishing their commitment to national defence. Reports from within the National Guard indicate a significant number of soldiers are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and accommodation. Some are even foregoing crucial leave periods due to a lack of funds or a secure place to stay. This growing crisis prompts serious questions regarding the adequacy of current support systems and the state's obligation to its conscripts.
An investigation conducted by the Pancyprian Committee of Mothers and Relatives of National Guardsmen (PEMSE) at the BMH camp revealed the extent of this financial strain. Their findings suggest the monthly stipend of €168, with minor adjustments for those with dependents, is proving entirely insufficient given escalating living costs. This modest allowance, intended for incidental expenses, has in many cases become a primary source of sustenance. Consequently, conscripts are often placed in a precarious financial predicament. The PEMSE report poignantly illustrates this by stating, "The financial burden doesn’t stop at the camp gate. For some, a simple military meal is a necessary lifeline rather than a daily inconvenience." This highlights the dire circumstances faced by these young individuals who are expected to serve their country while simultaneously battling personal poverty.
In response to these pressing concerns, the government has implemented several programs designed to offer a measure of financial relief. The establishment of the National Guardsmen Poverty Scheme and the Social Problems Committee are notable steps towards addressing this issue. These initiatives provide a €100 payment to approximately 200 soldiers during the Christmas and Easter holidays. Furthermore, monthly allowances are available for those identified as indigent, and some conscripts may receive assistance with transportation and meals. Officials from the National Guard General Staff (GEEF) and the Ministry of Defence acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. They admit that "The Guard reflects wider society’s economic challenges, they acknowledge the State has a responsibility to support those protecting it." However, this recognition is met with scepticism from some quarters, who argue that the current measures "barely scratch the surface" of the problem.
The implications of this financial distress extend far beyond simple inconvenience. Prolonged stress from financial insecurity, especially within the inherently demanding military environment, poses a significant risk to the mental well-being of conscripts. Past suicides among national guardsmen have tragically underscored the potential for severe psychological consequences. The prospect of some conscripts hesitating to complete their service due to worries about their financial future after discharge is a deeply troubling development. Commanders, witnessing this hardship firsthand, have reportedly used their personal funds to support struggling soldiers, a stark testament to the inadequacy of official provisions. The Ministry of Defence emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive, state-wide approach to tackle these economic challenges, suggesting this issue is intrinsically linked to broader societal economic realities. Ensuring the welfare of its servicemen and women must remain a paramount priority for Cyprus, lest those tasked with safeguarding the nation find themselves in a personal crisis.