The Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikos Dendias, visited on Friday, 24 May 2024 the headquarters of the I Infantry Division in Veroia, accompanied by the Chief HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis.
Mr. Dendias, in the presence of the Deputy Commander of the Special Warfare Command Major General Georgios Manouras, and the Commander of the I Infantry Division Major General Nikolaos Giannopoulos, was briefed on the Division’s mission, operational and training activities.
The Minister of National Defence, in his brief address to the members and soldiers of the I Infantry Division, stated the following:
“It is a great pleasure and honour for me to be here today. I am fully aware that I am at a Formation of utmost importance for our Country’s Armed Forces, the Army and our Special Operations. A highest-readiness and training Formation, capable of intervening and dealing with any threat, even if it comes out of nowhere.
I also understand the pride that the word “AERAS” (“AIR”: Greek war cry) causes in you. I believe that every child that completes at least the first grade of elementary school knows what this represents for the History of our Country.
I want to take this opportunity to tell you that the purpose of my visits is to obtain a more accurate picture of the actual situation of our Country’s Armed Forces, compared to the one I obtain through simple reports and briefings.
As you know, we are proceeding with a major Reform – named “Agenda 2030” – that includes both the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. We are proceeding with a comprehensive review of the structure of Forces, in order to provide the Army with the possibility to address the new challenges of our time with even greater efficiency.
At the same time, I am happy to see each time that the intended Reform has a solid foundation. Much more solid than any weapon system and any technical force multipliers can provide us with. And that is you, the human resources of the Armed Forces.
I am also aware that you are confronted with problems. Plenty of problems. One of them is the housing problem. We are trying to do our best. We are trying to do all we can to improve your living conditions.
We understand that your services to the Country may not be provided unilaterally, without consideration. I am also sure that you understand the great difficulties and the limitations. However, i do believe that we can achieve together the maximum possible impact.
I would like to reassure you, without this constituting ostensible statements in the context of a ministerial address, that you enjoy the entire Greek society’s trust and love. This is reflected in all surveys carried out by any audience measurement company, or opinion polls that fall into our hands.
Once again, thank you very much. It has been a great pleasure being here today and shaking hands with many Division members.
Thank you very much.”