The certainty that the new commandos will fully respond to their duties and will be worthy of our expectations, expressed today the Minister of Defense Vassilis Palmas, in his greeting at the ceremony of awarding the green berets to the new commandos held at the "Steliu Mavrommati" Camp in Stavrovouni .
The Minister of Defense officially welcomed the young green berets "to the Commando Forces of the National Guard", wished them a "good and productive term" for their own benefit, but also that of our semi-occupied homeland, and assured that we recognize the importance of what they have achieved.
He added that "the beret is a symbol of excellence, courage, and commitment to the high values that service in the Commando Forces represents, the values of bravery, selflessness, determination and brotherhood." "In the military, and especially in Special Forces, teamwork is not just a concept, but a way of life and the means to accomplish our mission," he said.
The Minister called on the new commandos to serve "with faith and dedication", to set high goals, to seek continuous improvement and progress, to be ready to cope with every challenge and noted that "great victories are not achieved without effort. They require sacrifice, endurance and faith in the mission."
Mr. Palmas expressed satisfaction "to the Commandant of the Commando Command, the Commandant of the Training Center and the instructors, who, performing their duties to the fullest, guided, inspired and provided the new prospective Commandos with all the necessary knowledge and supplies".
Equally important, continued the Minister, "to recognize the contribution of the families and loved ones" of the new commandos, noting that the support, love and strength they offered to their children during the demanding training they underwent, were valuable and decisive.
Addressing the young commandos, he noted that as they wear the green beret, they should remember that "this implies a deep commitment. It is a promise to the country, to their colleagues and to themselves, while calling them to serve with honor, confidence and dignity.
At the same time, he expressed the certainty that "they will fully respond to their duties and will appear worthy of our expectations".
In his own greeting and addressing the new commandos, the Chief of the National Guard Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas said that the green berets awarded to them today "are not only the recognition of the successful completion of a demanding and tough training, but also the symbolic acceptance of a heavy responsibility ».
"National Guard Commando and Special Operations Forces are the pride of our military, the spearhead of our defense capability," he said.
He added that “commando is a way of life which is documented by actions and not words. The emblem that adorns your arm should demonstrate people with great mental reserves and physical endurance, ready to defend the motherland, if required, under the imperative of the saying "COURAGEOUS VICTORY".
He also noted that their beacon and example "must be the sacrifice and incomparable heroism of our legendary commandos on the mountain slopes of Pentadaktylos. Where the bravery and greatness of the green caps, lifted our national pride on their shoulders, honoring the sacred oath they gave to the motherland, where the soul replaced the weapons, the ammunition and the means".
After stating that "our centuries-long history teaches us that the real advantage lies not so much in numbers and sizes, but in the quality of the human potential and its prosperous morale" he noted that "we were never the many. We are doomed to always be few, but we come from the depths of the ages and intend to remain here."
The enemy, continued the Chief of the National Guard, "should know that he will face the fist of Lokatzis" and added that with the green beret, the new commandos join "those who in every era choose to put the country above themselves ».
At the same time, he called on them to arm themselves "with courage, faith and dedication to their mission", while addressing the parents and relatives, he said that they should feel proud and show off their children.
Their choice, he noted, "to serve voluntarily in this elite body, makes them special, since in a time when values are challenged, they have practically demonstrated their willingness to offer. They made their choice and chose the difficult path."
After the greetings, honorary plaques were awarded to two mothers who gave all three of their children to the commandos.
This was followed by drills of the new commandos in martial arts, climbing and abseiling from a 30m high tower located in the camp, operational training and presentation of green berets to the new commandos.