A message of continuous professional development, leadership with humanity, and a commitment to strengthening the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus was conveyed by Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas to the new officers of the National Guardduring the commissioning ceremony for Second Lieutenants, Ensigns, and Second Warrant Officers of the Class of 2026.

Addressing the new officers, Mr. Palmas congratulated the graduates on the successful completion of their four-year training at the military academies, noting that today marks not only the culmination of their efforts but also the beginning of a journey with increased responsibilities and demands.

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As he noted, the training they completed combined a high level of academic instruction, specialized knowledge, physical and mental strengthening, as well as the development of leadership skills, so that they would be able to fulfill their mission as officers of the National Guard.

The Minister of Defense placed particular emphasis on the demands of modern military leadership, citing Alcibiades’ saying “To command is to foresee,” noting that leadership requires foresight, sound judgment, and planning, so that challenges can be identified in a timely manner, developments can be assessed, and decisions can be made that ensure the success of the mission and the safety of personnel.

At the same time, he cited Aristotle’s saying, “To lead is to toil,” noting that leadership is a demanding process that requires daily effort, constant vigilance, and personal sacrifice.

As he noted, these timeless principles take on even greater significance in today’s security environment, which is characterized by rapid technological advancements, hybrid threats, and ever-changing challenges. In this context, he said, vigilance, foresight, and timely preparation are essential prerequisites for effective leadership.

Mr. Palmas urged the new officers to continually invest in acquiring new knowledge, to keep abreast of developments in their field, to make use of new technologies, and to strive for continuous personal and professional improvement. “Knowledge is a force multiplier and the strongest foundation for every sound decision,” he emphasized.

He also placed particular emphasis on the principles that should guide leadership, urging the new officers to lead with compassion, to demand of their subordinates what they first demand of themselves, and to serve as models of responsibility and professionalism.

He added that consistency, ethics, and decency are inspired by a leader’s personal example, while the trust and respect of subordinates are built through fairness, meritocracy, and honesty.

At the same time, he emphasized the importance of discipline and strict adherence to safety measures, describing them as the fundamental pillars of military effectiveness and operational readiness, with the ultimate goal of protecting personnel.

Referring to the naming of the 2026 Second Lieutenant Class of the Hellenic Military Academy, the Minister of Defense noted that, for the first time since the Academy’s founding, a second lieutenant class has been named after a Cypriot officer, describing Tassos Markou as one of the most iconic figures in modern Cypriot history.

As he said, this decision constitutes a tangible recognition of Tassos Markou’s contributions and sacrifices and highlights the enduring historical ties and shared journey of Greece and Cyprus.

Mr. Palmas linked the legacy of Tassos Markou to the current mission of the National Guard, noting that the ongoing Turkish occupation and the unstable security environment in the wider region make it imperative to continuously strengthen the Republic of Cyprus’s defensive capabilities.

As he noted, investing in modern operational capabilities, maintaining a high level of readiness, and adapting to new forms of threats are essential prerequisites for the effective defense of the Republic of Cyprus.

In conclusion, the Minister of Defense expressed his confidence that the new officers will meet the high demands of their mission, calling on them to contribute their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to further strengthen the operational capability of the National Guard.

Source: CNA