The Minister of Defense, Vasilis Palmas, assured that the safety of the newly recruited soldiers of the 2025 ESSO is the Ministry's top priority.
Mr. Palmas, who spoke during the swearing-in of the new recruits on Tuesday at the “Tassos Papadopoulos – Eleftheria” Stadium, noted that “our human resources are our most valuable asset, which is why we work intensively and expend all our strength to be able to provide them with maximum security and the best living conditions.”
Referring to the swearing-in ceremony, he said that every year it seals the integration into the armed forces of our homeland of new human resources who will constitute the driving force of the National Guard, contributing decisively to the need for constant renewal and strengthening of its capabilities, with the aim of successfully carrying out its mission.
Addressing the new recruits, he said that from today they undertake "the sacred duty and obligation to defend the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, as did the previous ESSOs, your friends, fathers and relatives", noting that the "supreme good of ensuring freedom and democracy, as well as instilling a sense of security in our people, is what allows the state and institutions to operate smoothly, the political leadership to claim our rights, and the state to progress and prosper".
He called on young people to be proud because with their service in the country's armed forces, "you are in turn contributing to the defense of the highest ideals of freedom, security and justice."
"For the Ministry of Defense, human resources are the spearhead and the most decisive factor in fulfilling the mission of the National Guard, as a defense and deterrence force against any threat. Serving in the National Guard is a great honor and duty for everyone," he said.
He called on them to demonstrate seriousness, consistency, responsibility, a spirit of cooperation and a constant willingness to acquire new knowledge, abilities and skills, which will make them worthy and capable fighters, ready to respond to every challenge and mission assigned to them.
There is no room for complacency, says the Chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces
--------
There is no room for complacency, said the Chief of the General Staff of the National Guard, Lieutenant General George Tsitsikostas, in the daily order of business during the swearing-in ceremony of new recruits that took place at the Kissonerga "Christos Kelli" camp, in Paphos.
The ceremony was held in the presence of local authorities, religious and military leadership. In his daily order, the Chief of the General Staff of the National Guard stated that the presence of the occupation army on our territory and the constantly escalating Turkish provocation, which widely affects our vital interests, constantly reminds us that there is no room for complacency and that vigilance is our daily duty to defend our national sovereignty and ensure the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus.
As Greek Cypriots, he continued, "by wearing the military uniform you have the honor and at the same time the responsibility to join the side of the armed personnel and to dedicate your strength and abilities to the fulfillment of the sacred mission assigned to you."
Our Cyprus, he said, does not possess numerous forces, but it does possess something more important. These, as he said, which throughout the centuries have constituted the shield of Hellenism, are mental fortitude, unwavering faith, devotion to duty and most importantly, soldiers dedicated to defending every inch of the land.
Today, he said, "you have taken the newly legalized oath of allegiance to the Republic of Cyprus and now assume the defense of the homeland and the responsibility to maintain its freedom, independence and territorial integrity."
Freedom, he continued, is the highest ideal that was achieved through continuous struggles, hard battles and incalculable sacrifices, and its preservation requires constant effort, since it is not given and is not a given.
On the contrary, it would disappear easily if we neglect the debt towards it, he added.
He added that from today, more than ever, "you are called upon to be in constant vigilance, preparedness and unwavering readiness for duty," saying that the oath they took constitutes a conscious commitment in this very direction. That you are, as he said, "ready to shoulder the burden of responsibility for the defense of our country and to stand worthy of the political, historical mission that is yours."
The Chief of the National Guard also noted, addressing the 2025 ESSO National Guardsmen, that military service is not a parenthesis of their lives but its foundation, and that it will be a unique experience that will give them valuable skills and resources for their future career.
You will have experiences, he continued, “that will strengthen your character and cultivate a sense of duty and fill you with pride.” You will be called upon, he emphasized, “to be disciplined, to collaborate, and to exceed your limits as you enter a different environment that requires rapid adaptation and conscious discipline.”
From this moment on, he told them, you belong not only to your families but also to our own large military family of the Armed Forces, which has over time accepted the children of Cypriot society and nurtured them with love and respect.
