On Monday 03 June 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis, attended the inauguration ceremony of the new Command Post of the 548 Airmobile Infantry Battalion, that took place at “CAPTAIN (INF) THEODORAKI EMMANOUIL” Camp, in Rethymno.
The Deputy Minister was welcomed by Chief/HNDGS General Dimitrios Choupis, Chief/HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Commander of the Infantry Reserve Officers School Brigadier General Konstantinos Spanoudakis and the Commander of the 5th Airmobile Brigade Brigadier General Nikolaos Kostakis; the ceremony was also attended by the MPs of State Mr. Evangelos Apostolakis and of Rethymno Emmanouil Chnaris, the Vice Regional Governor of Rethymno Ms. Mary Lioni, the Vice Regional Governor of Entrepreneurship Mr. Mihalis Vamvoukas, the Mayors of Rethymno Mr. Giorgis Marinakis, of Mylopotamos Mr. Georgios Klados and of Amario Mr. Pandelis Mourtzanos, representatives of the Local Self-Administration, Security Forces, agencies, active and retired Officers and NCOs, as well as National Guardsmen.
In the context of the inauguration, a blessing took place officiated by the Archbishop of Crete Evgenios B and the Metropolitan of Rethymno and Avlopotamos Prodromos.
The 736 Military Works Directorate had the surveillance of the project. It is a modern command building, at Unit level, that contributes to energy saving, through the use of modern electrical-mechanical equipment (heating pumps, artificial lighting of LED technology), whereas it is adapted to being accessed by people with disabilities.
Mr. Kefalogiannis pointed out that this project is part of a broader strategy to reinforce the infrastructures and the capabilities of the Armed Forces, stressing that the 547 Airmobile Infantry Battalion will now have exclusively operational orientation, whereas the 548 Airmobile Infantry Battalion will mainly have a training role, as the only Training Unit of Recruits in Crete.
In his address, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated among others:
“I am deeply honored to be here today, in Rethymno, for the inauguration of the new Command Post of the 548 Airmobile Infantry Battalion. The project we inaugurate today is another step towards improvement and modernization of the infrastructures of our Armed Forces. It is another sample of the planning of the military and political leadership and the implementation of commitments, aiming at upgrading our military capabilities.
Today’s inauguration has a double role. The new Command Post is a place that will host the staff functions of the Unit and will provide the proper conditions for the execution of its mission as a Recruit Training Centre. On the other hand, the separation of roles, and the operational nature of the two Units that share the “Captain Emmanouil Theodorakis” Camp are indicated.
From now on, after the separation, the 547 Airmobile Infantry Battalion will have exclusively operational orientation, and the 548 Airmobile Infantry Battalion will mainly have a training role. This distinction of missions is considered essential for modern armies, reinforcing their capabilities. We must also point out that the 548 is the only Training Unit that exists in Crete. This is very important for various reasons. First, the families of the recruits avoid an important cost that they would have to bear, if their children were trained in a Centre located in the mainland. Second, the projection of the 548 as a Recruit Training Centre upgrades our island, at a level of military capabilities. It is also important to recognize the effort and the hard work that were required so as to complete the specific project within just 10 months.
So, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the actors that contributed to its construction and completion. Their contribution was decisive and their offer priceless. This project is part of a broader strategy, aiming at reinforcing the infrastructures and the capabilities of the Armed Forces. The Government and the Ministry of National Defence have been committed to invest in our people and the infrastructures that support them. Today’s ceremony is a proof of that commitment and the continuous effort for improvement and progress. We move ahead with decisiveness and prudence, assuring that our Armed Forces remain powerful, flexible and ready to face any challenge.
At this point, it is worth mentioning the recruits, who, from now on, will enlist and train in this Centre. With the basic training and the experiences that they will acquire here, they will be ready to staff our Units and, next, to face any challenge with courage and decisiveness. Concluding, I would like to express my gratitude to all personnel, because it performs its duty with high professionalism and a strong sense of duty, proving in practice that it is our most important weapon system and, undoubtedly, a force multiplier. Thank you all for your presence here today, in this simple ceremony, and I wish you strength and good luck in the work you perform.”
