The phrase, which became sacramental thanks to a classic writer back in Soviet times, has not lost its significance today. Greece is an amazing country that truly has everything or almost everything. Of course, it has its own army, and it faces its own challenges. These challenges are often similar to our own. The difference lies in the details. Their problems are resolved faster and more effectively. However, you can judge for yourself.

In terms of its size, the Greek army is classified as a medium-sized army. There are approximately 160,000 military personnel serving in the Greek Armed Forces. According to the Greek military command, the primary focus in today's environment is on improving the recruitment system, combat and psychological training of personnel, as well as implementing measures to ensure the social protection of military personnel.

Currently, Greece has a mixed recruitment system for its armed forces, which includes officer service, voluntary contract service, and conscription under the law on universal military service.

The recruitment of enlisted personnel is carried out by conscription of military personnel who have reached the age of 19. The length of service in the Army is 19 months, in the Navy - 23 months, in the Air Force - 21 months.

Regardless of their future professional destination, all individuals called up for active military service undergo initial military training in training units for 7 weeks. Only after completing this training and taking the oath of allegiance are soldiers assigned to combat units. Specialists for various branches of the military and services are trained in training centers, where they receive specialized training for 4-24 weeks.

Currently, only 40% of young people join the army immediately after reaching the age of conscription, while 30-35% (approximately 16,000 people) receive a deferment to complete their studies. In this regard, a bill has been submitted to the parliament that proposes a mandatory three-month military service for all citizens.

According to the same bill, citizens of the country who live abroad can return to Greece if they agree to serve in the army for several months and pay for the remaining period of service on a monthly basis. The specific amount of money that will need to be paid will be determined based on the age of the individual and the length of the remaining service period.quot; Those born between 1957 and 1964, if they agree to serve in the Armed Forces for 6 months, will have to pay the remaining 100,000 drachmas (approximately 370 US dollars) per month. Thus, anyone who chooses to exercise this right will contribute approximately 5,000 US dollars to the state treasury.

Individuals who refuse to serve in the army for political or religious-ethical reasons are given the opportunity to choose alternative service or military service "without carrying weapons" in one of the branches of the armed forces. However, its duration will be 2 times longer than the normal conscription period.

In the Greek army, non-commissioned officers, or sergeants in our terminology, are individuals who have graduated from relevant schools or courses. The duration of training for a junior commander depends on their civilian specialty and ranges from 2 to 12 months.

Officer positions are filled by individuals who have graduated from military academies, as well as some civilian educational institutions (such as medical or technical universities). The minimum service period for officers after graduation from military academy is 10 years. The maximum age for junior officers is 50-52 years, for senior officers it is 54-58 years, and for generals it is 59-62 years.

In the current conditions, the command of the Greek Armed Forces attaches paramount importance to the development of high professional qualities among its personnel by improving the system of moral and psychological training. This allows for the organic and purposeful development of such qualities in military personnel as discipline and diligence in their duties. The top military leadership recognizes that the success of these efforts depends on the high level of motivation among soldiers and officers, both materially and morally.

page 66

Based on this, the main efforts are directed at educating the personnel of a sense of patriotism, understanding the importance and necessity of service, and supporting the existing political system in the country. To this end, the ideas of the "social contract", the need to consolidate Greek society in the face of the declared threat from Turkey and the participation of all citizens of the country in the system of "national defense"are widely promoted.

At the state level, Greece has adopted a set of measures to strengthen the special status of military personnel in society and provide them with effective social protection. The country's military and political leadership is making significant efforts to enhance the social significance of the national armed forces and foster public trust and respect for them. To this end, the country annually celebrates Armed Forces Day, during which visitors can explore open military facilities. Additionally, Greece has established numerous associations, charitable organizations, and foundations aimed at supporting and assisting the military and its personnel. In addition, in order to enhance the prestige of the Armed Forces, the command is seeking to free them from tasks that are not their responsibility.

It should also be noted that the military leadership is taking measures to expand the rights of military personnel. According to the provisions of the new regulations, every soldier or officer can personally appeal to higher commanders, bypassing intermediate authorities.

An important component of the measures taken to strengthen the moral and psychological state of the Greek army's personnel is the provision of social security. In particular, local military administrative bodies are constantly searching for housing for officers, who receive significant financial assistance to pay for their rented apartments. Additionally, the construction of housing for military personnel is being carried out at an accelerated pace. It should be noted that the promotion of officers in the Greek Armed Forces is regulated. As a rule, they are provided with a five-year plan regarding their place of service and career prospects. The fact that the diplomas of higher military schools are equal to university diplomas, and the diplomas of various military schools are equal to those of technical colleges, is of great importance for increasing the prestige of military service.

However, there are certain restrictions. For example, military personnel are prohibited from joining political organizations, participating in strikes, or forming their own trade unions.

Retired military personnel who receive a pension are entitled to employment in any sector of the economy without restrictions on their salary. To improve the social status of former military personnel, their pension benefits are regularly indexed to account for inflation, which also has a positive impact on the morale of officers who continue to serve.

Despite the clear successes in establishing an effective personnel management system, the situation in the Greek Armed Forces remains far from ideal. Despite the introduction of significant benefits and compensations, a significant number of conscripts continue to evade military service. Additionally, there are challenges stemming from the country's unique development. Centuries of Turkish occupation have instilled a strong prejudice among Greeks against individuals of different nationalities and religions. As a result, the Greek Armed Forces have a predominantly Orthodox Greek population. The share of representatives of national minorities (Turks, Bulgarians, etc.) among all categories of personnel does not exceed 5%. Moreover, they are not allowed to serve in combat units, but are assigned to logistics and support units, which creates certain problems in relations between military personnel.

However, experts admit that these problems do not have any significant impact on the combat readiness and morale of the Greek army. The military command believes that the armed forces are capable of carrying out any tasks related to ensuring the country's security. After all, Greece has everything it needs, including a well-organized military.

page 67

Постоянный адрес данной публикации: