Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias on Friday announced a series of changes to the Hellenic Army services over the coming year, during the swearing-in ceremony of a new class of conscripts at the Thebes training center, due north of Athens.
During his address to the new servicemen, the minister stated, “We will focus primarily on intensive operational training, but soldiers will also gain knowledge that will prepare them for modern challenges. This will involve the development of essential horizontal skills for survival in modern operations, as well as certified specialties.”
The Greek minister said these changes were part of “Agenda 2030,” and aimed to impart soldiers with a new skill-set valuable both for the Greek army personnel and their future professional careers as civilians.
The changes include developing certified skills, while the provision of new uniforms and gear will ensure adaptation to contemporary military needs. Dendias, the former foreign minister, announced that a new voluntary military service program for women would also be implemented.
The equipment upgrades announced include a modern helmet, protective goggles, knee pads, elbow pads, harnesses, and a different canteen are among the changes. “These upgrades will lead to the modern soldier and, ultimately, a modern army,” he underlined.
