Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas gave assurances today that respect for the dignity of every new recruit is non-negotiable and a given.

Speaking during the enlistment ceremony for new recruits at the “Christos Samaras” Army Camp in Athalassa, the Minister began by saying that these are special days for the young men, their families, and of course for the Ministry and the National Guard as they welcome the Class of 2026.

Mr. Palmas emphasized that the National Guard is these young people’s new family for the next 14 months and noted that within the ranks of the National Guard, they will be given both the opportunity and the privilege to serve their partially occupied homeland.

On the other hand, he continued, “I want to assure the children’s families and the children themselves that their training will be methodical and intensive, but at the same time, respect for the individuality of each child is non-negotiable and a given; and for this reason, I am certain that their instructors, both noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers, know their job very well and should be supported in this duty, which they undertake every year to train the new soldiers.”

The Minister of Defense also emphasized that the steps taken by the Ministry and the National Guard regarding the training and overall conduct of conscripts during their service are always adapted to the new circumstances and realities of the times we are living in. “A strange time, a time of many challenges, but at the same time a time of many opportunities,” he said.

Addressing the new National Guard conscripts, he told them they should feel proud and, at the same time, privileged. “Proud because you have the opportunity to serve your country, and privileged in the sense that some other young people your age, for health reasons, do not have that ability and cannot be given the opportunity totheir country with pride. That is why you, too, must demonstrate the consistency and seriousness expected of a soldier who serves his country,” he said.

Mr. Palmas also told them that they have already completed an important chapter of their lives by graduating from high school, and that today a new one begins—that of serving their country.

“I want you to take care of your health, to be serious and responsible in your training, and I wish you a successful term of service,” Mr. Palmas concluded.

Source: CNA