On Thursday 6 June 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis, accompanied by the Chief HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, attended the final phase of Field Exercise “DIMOKRITOS 2024”, the crowning of the Arms-Corps Basic Second Lieutenant Training Course of the Hellenic Military Academy, the Hellenic Military Academy of Combat Support Officers, the Nursing Officers Academy, where Arms-Corps Command Career Sergeants also participated, in Xanthi.
The Deputy Minister visited the headquarters of D Army Corps, where he was greeted by the Commanding General of the Hellenic First Army, Lieutenant General Dimokritos Konstantakos and the Commanding General of D Army Corps, Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos, and was briefed on its organisation, structure, and current activities.
Subsequently, he visited the Xanthi Proving Ground – Range, to observe the final phase of the exercise, accompanied by the Chief HAGS, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis.
The exercise was attended by the Commanding General of the Hellenic First Army/EU-OHQ, “ACHILLEAS”, Lieutenant General Dimokritos Konstantakos, the Army Inspector General, Lieutenant General Spyridon Alfantakos, the Commanding General of D Army Corps “THRAKI”, Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos, the Commanding General of the High Military Command of Interior and Islands “AEGEAS” Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, the Commanding General of the Hellenic Army Support Command “THISEAS”, Lieutenant General Dimitrios Bolomytis, the Commanding General of the Special Warfare Command, Lieutenant General Prokopios Mavraganis, the Commanding General of C Army Corps/NRDC-GR “MEGAS ALEXANDROS”, Lieutenant General Athanasios Garinis, as well as Directors of HAGS Arms and Corps Directorates, whose Second Lieutenants participated in the Field Exercise.
During his address to the Commanding Generals of the Major Formations, Mr. Kefalogiannisemphasised that this exercise is not simply an annual institution, but a living example of the might, the readiness, and professionalism of the Armed Forces, and in particular, of the new Second Lieutenants and Career Sergeants, who are just at the beginning of their professional career. At the same time, he pointed out that our new operational capabilities were tested on a broad range of conditions and scenarios, while the fire power of our new weaponry has been demonstrated, sending a message of deterrence, and reinforcing a feeling of safety within the Greek population.
After the completion of the exercise, the Deputy Minister of National Defence delivered a speech to the Second Lieutenants and Career Sergeants of the Class of 2023, where, among others, he mentioned:
“Dear Second Lieutenants and Sergeants,
It is a special joy and great honour for me to be with you, the new generation of our Armed Forces. I had the excellent opportunity to observe Field Exercise “DIMOKRITOS 2024”, the fortunate outcome of which demonstrates your high level professionalism, feeling of responsibility, eagerness, and conscientiousness. The objective of this particular exercise, was, upgrading your operational training, in order that, under realistic conditions, further understanding, familiarisation and practical training in arms’ tactical training is achieved, but also applying the knowledge you have gained in Application Schools.
During the exercise, the high level of cooperation and coordination were noticed, traits which you have systematically cultivated during your time of study in the Military Academies, gaining the ability to act as a unified, coordinated team. This collective effort, alongside dedication, are the main pillars which extend the power and effectiveness of our Armed Forces. Your progress so far has not been easy. You have gone through intensive training, strict discipline and many challenges. It is important to remember that success never comes without cooperation and collective effort. As Second Lieutenants and Sergeants you are the future leaders of our country’s Armed Forces. Your success in this exercise shows that you are ready to undertake this role with decisiveness and responsibility. Leadership is not only concerned with leadership in peace- or wartime, but with the ability to inspire others, take difficult decisions and show integrity in your every action. A military career is not easy. It requires constant learning, self-improvement and dedication. Bear in mind that training never ends. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn something new, improving your professional abilities.
We live in a world where the security environment is characterised by violent changes, while challenges and threats constantly evolve. At the same time, security dilemmas become ever more powerful, while technology advances at great leaps, and we must ever be a step ahead, if we want to keep abreast of developments. All that should be a motive for your personal and professional development You should not rest on the knowledge gained in the academy, but ever struggle to gain new knowledge and experiences. Since it is only this way you will be able to face challenges effectively, and succeed in your supreme duty, which proceeds from your capacity. Be leaders. Lead people, inspire them and enjoy their trust. Only then will you be considered successful in your mission. Our country is relying on you for safeguarding its liberty and sovereignty. Your duty is great, but my faith in your abilities is unshakeable. I am sure that with your commitment and dedication, our Armed Forces will continue to be a powerful pillar of safety and stability for our country.
I would like to point out, that with the recent Law 5110/2024, put forward by the Ministry of National Defence, we have managed to effect an immediate raise of the monthly salary of Officers and NCOs, who have graduated from Academies, without burdening the state budget, by expanding the time frame for the payment of deductions, in recognition of their shareholding relationship. Without this adjustment, the new officers would have had to pay double deductions, as was the case until recently, at the start of their career. That is, at a period with particularly high economic exigencies. The Government and the Ministry of National Defence feel the needs of new Lieutenants and Sergeants. We thus proceed, to an important raise, of about €80 a month, compared to the salary they would otherwise receive. We are aware that this raise is necessary for you to be able to continue to fulfil your duties with ever greater dedication and decisiveness. Our aim is to provide you with the best possible conditions, to enable you to concentrate on your duties with no distractions, and further promote the security and prosperity of the Greek People.
Closing, I would like to congratulate you on your excellent performance and contribution to the Field Exercise “DIMOKRITOS 2024”. Your dedication, courage and ceaseless effort are what make the difference. I wish you all the best in your work, and every success in your careers.
Thank you”.
