The qualitative upgrade of the National Guard's capabilities and its reinforcement with modern means and equipment, in order to continue to be a reliable deterrent and defense force, is a permanent and non-negotiable goal, Defence Minister Haralambos Petrides said today.
In his address at the awarding ceremony of the green beret to the new commandos of the 2022 NSO, held at Camp "Stelios Mavrommatis" in Stavrovouni, The Minister said that the new commandos will feel "great pride" that they will officially wear the green beret of the legendary commandos from today and congratulated them on their choice to follow this difficult and demanding path.
He added that "today's ceremony is the culmination of a long and arduous effort during which they acquired the "spirit of the Ranger", which is primarily based on the consistency and precision of the execution of the mission under any circumstances. The constant effort to improve one's fitness and abilities is a one-way street if we seek maximum operational readiness in elite units like the Rangers, he said.
Mr. Petrides urged the new commandos "with the same determination and vigour" to continue training under the guidance of their superiors until the end of their tenure, while he congratulated "the Commander of the Commando Command, the Commander of the Training Centre and the instructors, who spared no effort and time and demonstrated excellent professionalism and ensured the excellent training" of the new commandos.
As the Minister said, "the history of Hellenism, but also modern reality, teaches us that the real advantage lies not so much in numbers and sizes, but in the quality of human resources and in their flourishing morale. The personnel of the National Guard, constantly demonstrates to us their quality, consistency, systematicity, responsibility and professionalism."
This, he continued, "can be seen in the trainings that take place daily, in the large-scale exercises that we conduct with the participation of other advanced Armed Forces, in Cyprus and abroad, but also in the performance of personnel in international competitions and training schools."
The National Guard, he continued, "remains committed to the duty to which it has committed itself, as the protector of the integrity of our homeland."
The National Guard, he continued, "remains committed to the duty to which it has committed itself, as the protector of the integrity of our homeland. Spearheading this effort are the commandos, who through hard and persistent training are forging and forging deep within themselves the sacred code of honor and values, by which they will act as force multipliers if required."
From our side, he noted, "the permanent and unchanging objective remains the qualitative upgrade of the National Guard's capabilities and its reinforcement with modern means and equipment, so that it continues to be a reliable deterrent and defensive force. In this direction we are working quietly and methodically, on the one hand to ensure technical and logistical support for the maintenance of the existing equipment we have, and on the other hand to implement the armament programme, which has been drawn up in cooperation with the General Staff".
Referring to the Commando Forces, Charalambos Petrides said that "we have gradually proceeded with the replacement and modernization of the used armament, while in the near future, the supply of modern pistols and smoothbore rifles is planned. We have also for the first time signed an agreement for the broad purchase of comprehensive modern personal protective equipment and combatant survival equipment, both for commandos and for all National Guard personnel."
He also noted that "the same protective equipment is already used by the Israel Defense Forces and the United Kingdom Armed Forces."
He also noted that "the same protective equipment is already being used by the Israel Defense Forces and the United Kingdom Armed Forces. In the first stage, the needs of the active force will be met, and in a subsequent stage, those of the reserve and national guard."
Addressing the young commandos, the Minister said that they all take pride in the fact that they have chosen "the path of service and duty" and have proven that they are superior to others because they demonstrate courage and are determined to win whenever required.
He also expressed confidence that the young commandos will fully perform their duties and prove "worthy of our expectations" and congratulated their parents and families for raising and educating them with principles, values and ideals.
Source: CNA
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