The confirmation ceremony of the 32 new officer graduates of the Higher Military Educational Institutions was held at the "Stavros Stylianidis" camp in Kornos.
The graduates are from the three branches of the army, air force, navy and army. Among them is a female graduate of the military school of Eulipides in Paziko.
The ceremony began with an inspection of an interdisciplinary ceremony by the Minister of Defense, Vassilis Palmas and the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, with the SMEF cheering military marches.
Then came the arrival of the war flag from a squadron. The confirmation ceremony followed.
The Chief of the National Guard stated in the agenda that "the National Guard is being equipped, evolving and adapting to modern operational conditions, while at the same time upgrading its relations with the armed forces of other countries through its participation in missions and collaborations, which give it a new dimension and at the same time an important role in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean".
He noted that "continuous development is not only about systems and means, as the decisive factor of victory and success on the battlefield is the human being. Our people will continue to be our focus as our most important power multiplier and qualitative comparative advantage."
He said that "in this context, sections and interventions are promoted as a whole for the human potential. This has already been done for the SYOP by ensuring better working conditions and bringing together young men and women who love the army and the country, we are planning corresponding measures for non-commissioned officers", he said.
He noted that "in the same direction, we are investing in our officers, with the aim of giving them all the necessary supplies and knowledge to become the leaders we need. The multiple and multidimensional challenges of the future require officers trained and able to monitor developments and adapt to them in a timely manner. You must know that the bar has been set high. The changes around us are much faster than in the past. It is up to you to continuously improve by following developments and taking advantage of every opportunity for further scientific and academic training," he pointed out.
He emphasized that "no complacency is allowed. The existence of an occupying army for 50 years and the ever-evolving Turkish provocation, with which our vital interests are affected, impose our constant readiness to defend the national sovereignty and sovereign rights of our homeland," he said.
This was followed by the awarding of the swords to the 32 graduates.
The Minister of Defense Vassilis Palmas in his greeting said that the National Guard "six decades after its establishment and half a century after the Turkish invasion of 1974, with the occupation still in place, has assumed a new multidimensional role. We are called to respond to many challenges at the same time."
He noted that "we are modernizing, strengthening and improving the National Guard with the aim of making it a modern, reliable, flexible and effective army, capable of defending the sovereign rights of our homeland and fully responding to modern asymmetric threats".
He emphasized that "through the implementation of our equipment program and other innovative changes we seek to strengthen our combat power and our deterrent capability".
He said, “The National Guard is getting new recruits ready to contribute to its further development and your success reflects the dedication and commitment you have shown during your training. This becomes even more important when one considers the highly demanding nature of the training you have undergone. An education that, in addition to physical and mental strengthening, offered you high-level academic knowledge", he noted.
He told the graduates that “you now belong to the great family of the National Guard, a family that you are called to serve. You are the new guardians of our values and ideals. Remember at every moment of your career that success cannot be based on luck or even on a good response to your tasks, but always on judgment, insight and above all on hard work".
Mr. Palmas noted that "the academic and military training you have received have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and supplies, so that you can build your own career in the National Guard on a solid foundation."
He said that "we do not forget that the knowledge of the past is the indicator that points out the path we must follow, to lead to the future we desire for our country and our people".
He noted that "in this effort, in which you too will be called upon to offer a lot, be absolutely sure that the political and military leadership will always be by your side, helpers and supporters".
Mr. Palmas expressed the certainty "that you will satisfy the expectations of the state and fully respond to the high demands of your mission."
The ceremony ended with the National Anthem.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Greece in Cyprus, Ioannis Papameletiou, members of parliament, officials of the Ministry of Defense, representatives of the Police, the Fire Department and a large number of relatives and friends of the newly graduated officers.
Source: KYPE