Greece to increase army service amid tension with Turkey

<p>ATHENS, Greece &mdash; Greece will introduce an increase in military service for conscripts serving in the army from nine to 12 months, starting in May, as part of a program to boost the armed forces amid tension with regional rival Turkey.</p>
<p>The decision made public Friday will bring army service in line with the length of conscription to the navy and air force. </p>
<p>The nine-month term will only remain for army conscripts who volunteer to join special forces services or serve in border areas for their entire term in uniform.</p>
<p>Greece last year began a major military modernization program that will include the upgrade of its aging F-16 fighter jet fleet as well as the purchase of new-generation, French-built Rafale jets and a planned frigate order that has drawn keen interest from competing U.S. and European arms makers.</p>
<p>Greece and neighboring Turkey are at odds over sea boundaries and mineral rights in the Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean, causing a tense naval buildup in the region last year. </p>