The process of extraordinary evaluations in the Greek Armed Forces commenced today following a relevant request by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias to the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS), General Dimitrios Choupis.
The main target of the evaluations is to slash the number of high-ranking officers which were deemed excessive by political leadership. The goal is to make the armed forces more versatile, in line with the newly approved structure for the Armed Forces recently ratified by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA).
A notable issue within the Greek Armed Forces lies in the rank of colonels, where the number of officers is more than double the allocated organizational chart.
The evaluations began with the ranks of lieutenant generals and major generals in the Army, vice admirals and rear admirals in the Navy, and air marshals and deputy air marshals in the Air Force. They will subsequently extend to brigadiers and colonels.
The primary aim of these extraordinary evaluations is to accelerate the implementation of the new force structure outlined in the “Agenda 2030” for Armed Forces reform. This includes rationalizing the number of high-ranking officers and adapting to modern operational requirements.
Dendias announced the changes last year that include developing certified skills in the army corp. It also included 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.
