Today, Friday 8 May 2026, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis, visited Special Forces Units in Macedonia and Thrace. Specifically, he visited the 1 st Raider – Parachutist Brigade “EL ALAMEIN”, the Unconventional Warfare Training Centre at Camp “KATSANIS” in Rentina, Thessaloniki, and the 1 st  Special Operational Missions Sustainment Company at Camp “KYROUDIS” in Nea Santa, Rodopi.

The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Commanding General of the Special Warfare Command, Lieutenant General Konstantinos Gakis. They were welcomed there by the Commanding General of the I Infantry Division, Major General Charalambos Georgiou, the Commanding General of the 1 st Raider – Parachutist Brigade “EL ALAMEIN”, Brigadier General Vasileios Gremos, the Director HAGS/Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Vasileios Papadopoulos, and the Commander of the Unconventional Warfare Training Centre, Lieutenant Colonel Georgios Patsalas (INF)

During his visit, Mr. Davakis had the opportunity to tour the grounds of operational readiness, be briefed on the mission, the operational and training activities, discuss with the personnel, and assess the high level of professionalism, training and readiness of the personnel first hand.

The Deputy Minister inaugurated the Special Forces Combat Medic Course, where he was given a demonstration of procedures followed by combat medics on the field, as well as in field clinics.

Mr. Davakis, following the end of the visit, stated the following:

“The Special Forces are the tip of the spear of the Armed Forces and one of the most crucial operational structures, a guarantor of our Country’s deterrent force.

During my visit to the Units, I witnessed the exceptionally high level of operational readiness, training, and professionalism of the personnel, who serve with absolute dedication and self-abnegation.

The political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence remains steadfastly dedicated to the reinforcement of their capabilities, with assets, infrastructure, and modern equipment, in order to effectively respond to the requirements of the modern operational environment.

I would like to express my gratitude to them on behalf of the Hellenic State and the Greek people, and congratulate them on the exalted feeling of responsibility, and the dedication they daily demonstrate. Their presence here is a guarantee of safety for our country”.