The Ministry of National Defence, in cooperation with the SCG – Scientific College of Greece, which constitutes a distinguished collaborator of the Cisco company, in the digital capabilities programme Cisco Academy, offers the opportunity for expertise through the training activity “Skills for All”, to the career military and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces and the students of the military academies for officers and NCOs.

The initiative focuses on training in the fields of data networks and cybersecurity – which are considered critical in the modern digital age – and will be conducted in two phases:

During the first phase, the participants will have the opportunity to attend the following courses:

• Junior Cybersecurity Analyst: It is addressed to those who wish to acquire capabilities in the field of cybersecurity, regardless of previous experience, as well as those who wish to expand their knowledge. The programme consists of 6 courses and the total duration is 120 hours.

• Network Technician: It is aimed to those who wish to acquire capabilities on data networks, without having previous knowledge, as well as those who want to expand on the particular field. The programme includes 4 courses and the total duration is 70 hours.

The lessons will be conducted via an electronic platform, with the method of asynchronous online learning, there is no cost for participation, while the participants will be able to attend one or more courses. For the successful completion of each course, an online exam will be held.

After the successful completion of each course, the participants will receive a Digital Badge, as well as a “Network Technician Career Path” or “Junior Cybersecurity Analyst Career Path”, if all the courses cycles of each programme have been completed, correspondingly.

In the framework of the second phase, the passing candidates of the first will be selected, through ballot, for further free training:

• 30 trainees will participate in the Cyber Ops Associate programme, which lasts for 72 hours, which will be conducted through synchronous online learning.

• 3 trainees will participate in the CCNA programme, which lasts for 210 hours, also through synchronous online learning.

The Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr Giannis Kefalogiannis stated:

“The conclusion of the cooperation agreement with the Scientific College of Greece is conducted in the framework of our wider strategy, providing significant facilitations to the members who wish to upgrade their knowledge base and expand their strategic perception. With this initiative we give the opportunity to the women and men of the Armed Forces to acquire capabilities in the extremely critical fields of data networks and cybersecurity. The modern Officers are also scientists. I urge them to continue educating themselves and I assure them that the Ministry of National Defence will stand by their side in every effort. I would like to warmly thank the Scientific College of Greece for the commencement of our cooperation”.