On Wednesday 06 September 2023, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Ioannis Kefalogiannis, representing the President of the Hellenic Government, awarded the diplomas to graduates of the 13 th Online Learning Training Series of the Hellenic National Defence College.

The ceremony which was held at the War Museum was attended by the Chief/HNDGS General Konstantinos Floros, the Chief/HAFGS Lieutenant General Themistoklis Bourolias, the Chief/HAGS Lieutenant General Aggelos Choudeloudis, the Chief/HNGS Vice Admiral Ioannis Drymoussis HN, the Commander of the Hellenic National Defence College Lieutenant General Spyridon Alfantakis, the outgoing President of the Executive Board of the War Museum Anastasios Liaskos and representatives of the Hellenic Parliament, the Parties, His Beatitude the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Security Forces, embassies and Institutions.

A total of 187 students graduated, out of whom 87 from the Army, 50 from the Navy, 19 from the Air Force, 5 from the Hellenic Police, 2 from the Fire Service, 5 from the Port Police-Hellenic Coast Guard, 15 Officers from the Republic of Cyprus and 4 Permanent Civilians from the Ministry of National Defence.

The Minister of National Defence, at his address, pointed out the following:

“Member of the Parliament, Representative of the President of the Parliament Right Reverend Bishop of Roges, Representative of His Beatitude the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Chiefs and Representatives of the Parties of the Hellenic Parliament Chief of the National Defence General Staff Chiefs of the Armed Forces, Security Forces and their Representatives, Representative of H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Greece, President of the War Museum, President of “Aikaterini Laskaridi” Foundation, Commander of the National Defence College, Ladies and Gentlemen,  I am especially delighted that I am given the opportunity to attend today the graduation ceremony of the 13 th Online Learning Training Series of the Hellenic National Defence College, the supreme military academy of defence policy and strategic thinking with regard to our Country’s Armed Forces. The training work of the College and the strong imprint shown in the development of the Armed and Police Forces members through time, are widely known and, without doubt, comparable to the most distinguished foreign colleges of defence studies.The quality of the cognitive background provided, has made generations of Greek officers capable to interpret the all the more changing security environment to incorporate conclusions in the defence planning increasing, at the same time, their ability to take decisions and exercise defence diplomacy. In this context, the role of the National Defence College is today more crucialthan ever. The security challenges have been multiplied compared to the past. The operations of influence can be conducted even during peacetime, causing security worries and dilemmas to governments and peoples. New forms of hybrid threats increase their dynamic worldwide. This situation makes the need for flexible and effective armed forces imperative today, which will be in a position not only to face every threat, but to have a strong deterrent presence as well. For this to happen, their staffing of crucial and head positions with high level personnel is a prerequisite. So, Commander, I would like to encourage you not to stop the effort for a continuous upgrade of the training quality provided by the College. As you are reaching the top, the requirements increase and you must be ready to face the new challenges that keep emerging. In this effort of yours, I would like to inform you that you will be supported by the Government, the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence and me personally. The further upgrade of the training work, the organization and function of the military academies is a priority of our Ministry, as well as the reinforcement of their extroversion through the multiplication of synergies with respective foreign training institutions and universities. In this effort, I will be fully in touch with the College, using the valuable experience of the Command and the faculty. Dear Greeks and Greek-Cypriots, new National Defence Staff Officers, The analytical thinking, the rapid learning ability, the orientation towards the outcome, the team spirit, the thoroughness and ability to solve problems are, I think, the most important supplies acquired during your attendance at the College. I am certain that the leadership of the Armed Forces will use them in the best possible way. I congratulate you from my heart for the intellectual effort you have made and your successful graduation today is its capstone. I wish you health and good luck in your career.”