Hellenic Army Academy

For this documentary photography assignment for the Greek magazine Kappa of Kathimerini, I spent a full day inside the Hellenic Military Academy, Scholi Evelpidon, in Vari, Athens, on the occasion of its anniversary, founded on December 21, 1828. The visit offered a rare opportunity to look beyond the institution’s formal image and visually explore how one of Greece’s oldest military schools is redefining itself for the future.

It quickly becomes clear that today’s Evelpidon is no longer an isolated or inward-looking environment. According to the Academy’s Commandant, Major General Anastasios Polychronos, openness and international engagement are now central to its philosophy. Cadets participate in international exchange programs, including Erasmus initiatives and visits to European and NATO institutions, training alongside peers from abroad and developing a shared professional mindset within a global framework.

The Academy operates simultaneously as a military and academic institution. Its modern campus of approximately 68,000 square meters resembles a contemporary university rather than a traditional barracks. Lecture halls, laboratories, and research facilities support a demanding curriculum that spans humanities, engineering, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

For many cadets, the decision to enter Evelpidon is driven by personal motivation; for others, by family tradition. They describe the experience as transformative, equipping them with skills that extend far beyond military service. Female cadets emphasize that expectations are high, but opportunities are equal and merit-based.

The Academy’s multicultural character is also striking. Students from Greece, Armenia, Tunisia, and various African countries train together, united by discipline and ambition. Physical training remains essential, now shaped by scientific methods, with personalized exercise and nutrition programs.

Balancing history and innovation, discipline and education, the Hellenic Military Academy continues to shape the officers of tomorrow.

Summary based on the original article and cover story published on December 21, 2025, written by George Robollas.