The Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr Ioannis Kefalogiannis, on Friday 09 February 2024, attended the Oath Taking Ceremony of the 547th Airmobile Infantry Battalion in Rethymno, where he was greeted by the Commanding General of the 5th Airmobile Brigade, Brigadier Michail Ploumis.
The ceremony was officiated by the Metropolitan of Rethymno and Aulopotamos, Prodromos. It was also attended by General and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces, representatives of the Regional Unit of Rethymno, the Municipal Council, the Fire Service, the Coast Guard, the Police Department and the Police Academy.
In his address, the Deputy Minister stated:
“It is with great joy that I welcome the new recruits of the A Enlistment Series of 2024 to the ranks of the Armed Forces today. They took an oath or promise of fidelity and dedication to the Country. Today’s oath taking is a special moment, for you have successfully undergone basic training and are called upon to serve the Armed Forces with fidelity and dedication, responding to the expectations and trust of the Hellenic Nation.
New Soldiers,
During the period of your national service you will be given the opportunity to exploit your abilities, offering your services for the safeguarding of national interests, to contribute to society, and also gain abilities which will help you in your future careers.
The national service is a great honour and a great obligation simultaneously. It is the greatest contribution to the Country and Greeks everywhere. We serve a country with a long history, a cradle of world civilisation and a people that has learned to live in freedom. Therefore, you should be proud of the opportunity that is offered to you for defending humanity’s most precious gift, freedom.
The challenges you will face in the months of your national service are many and they mainly concern your adaptation to the military way of life. You should face adversities with optimism, a smile in your everyday life and positive thinking. You should be directed by a spirit of ‘can do’, as well as a winner’s frame of mind. Arm yourselves with patience and perseverance, perhaps humanity’s greatest virtues.
Always bear in mind that your foremost concern should be your safety, always fulfilling the required safety measures, not only in the workplace, but in your private life also. I assure you that the political and military leadership will continue to make every possible effort for the level of the standards of training to remain high, and that the living conditions remain such that you can fulfil your mission without distractions.
Dear parents of the recruits,
I would like to thank you for the trust you show towards the institution of the Armed Forces. You entrust us with your children, the most precious thing you have, and this does us great honour. You should feel proud of the fact that your children will devote a great portion of their life in service of our Country, and together with us support them for the duration of their national service.
At this point, I would like to express my warmest thanks to all the personnel of the 547th Airmobile Infantry Battalion for their excellent work and the results they have achieved. I assure you that the Political and Military leadership are ministering to your effort for the upgrade of training and improving living conditions.
I wish you a good national service.”
