General Dimitrios GRAPSAS was born in 1948 in Ypati (Fthiotis). He was admitted to the Hellenic Army Military Academy in 1967, graduated in 1971 and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Armor.

His service record includes significant assignments in armored units, as well as in staff positions of Formations. Among others, General Grapsas served as Commander of D’ Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Chief of Staff of the 96 Military Command, A’ Assistant Chief of Staff of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands, Commander of the XXV Armored Brigade, Chief of Staff, D’ Army Corps, Director of Training Division/HAGS, Director of Training and Doctrine Directorate/ HAGS (2002-2003), Commander of the XX Mechanized Infantry Division (2003-2004), Commander of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands (2005-2006) and Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff (2006-2007).

He has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1974 and Captain in 1978. In 1983, he was promoted to Major, in 1988 to Lieutenant Colonel and in 1995 to the rank of Colonel. In 1999, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. In 2002, he was promoted to Major General, and assumed the command of the XII Mechanized Infantry Division. In 2004, he was promoted to Lieutenant General and was assigned as B’ Deputy Chief/HAGS. On the 4th of March 2005, he assumed Command of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands. On the 28th of February, following a respective decision of the Governmental Council on Foreign Affairs and Defense, he has assumed the post of the Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff.

On the 22nd of August 2007, following a respective decision of the Governmental Council on Foreign Affairs and Defense, he has assumed the post of the Chief of the National Defense General Staff.

General Dimitrios GRAPSAS has been decorated with the following distinctions for his remarkable career:

• Medal for Military Valor, C’ Class
• Golden Cross of the Order of Phoenix
• Medal for Military Valor, B’ Class
• Golden Cross of the Order of Merit
• Knight Commander of the Order of Phoenix
• Outstanding Command Commendation Medal, B’ Class
• Staff Officer Service Commendation Medal, B’ Class
• Knight Commander of the Order of Merit
• Medal for Military Valor, A’ Class
• Knight Commander High Cross of the Order of Phoenix
• Formation/Major Unit Commendation Medal, C’ Class
• Outstanding Command Commendation Medal, A’ Class
• Staff Officer Service Commendation Medal, A’ Class
• Commendation Medal for Merit and Valor
• Formation/Major Unit Commendation Medal, B’ Class
• Cross Star of Order and Merit
• Formation/Major Unit Commendation Medal, A’ Class
• Knight Commander High Cross of the Order of Merit

He is a graduate of all schools of his branch and of the Hellenic Army War College and the Hellenic National Defense College.

General Dimitrios Grapsas is married to Mrs Ismini Sionidou, and they have two children.