Newsroom
For thousands of young Cypriots and their families, Friday marked one of those moments that signal a major life transition: the day they officially became members of the National Guard.
The swearing-in ceremonies for the 2026 intake of new recruits (2026 ESSO) took place across Cyprus, bringing together young men starting their military service, along with proud parents, relatives and friends who came to watch the milestone.
In Nicosia, recruits serving with the National Guard’s Nicosia-Klirou formation took their oath at the “Tassos Papadopoulos – Eleftheria” indoor stadium, in the presence of President Nikos Christodoulides.
In Larnaca, the ceremony was held at the “Sergeant Lazaros Georgiou” Camp, at the Larnaca Recruit Training Centre (KEN), attended by House Speaker Annita Demetriou.
Addressing the new recruits, Demetriou wished them a successful service and told them they should be proud of serving their country, which, she said, must be honored, defended, and protected.
Similar ceremonies were held at military camps across the island, including the “Stelios Mavrommatis” Camp in Stavrovouni, the “Stavros Stylianidis” Camp in Kornos, the “Stylianos Kalbourtzis” Camp in Delikipos, as well as at the Tasos Markou Municipal Stadium in Paralimni for recruits from the free Famagusta district.
For many families, the oath-taking ceremony is an emotional milestone, marking the end of civilian life for their sons and some daughters and the beginning of months of training, discipline, and military duties.
The new recruits will now continue their training before being assigned to their units across the National Guard.
