The National Guard is called upon to give its own battle to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

According to an article in the newspaper “PHILELEFTHEROS”, there is no concern in the ranks of the National Guard about the coronavirus cases in the organisation , however, all protection protocols are strictly followed, both for cases involving confirmed cases and suspicious ones .

The National Guard has set up two groups in order to meet the needs of its operation. The purpose of creating the two groups is to carry out the duties (including guard posts and patrols) normally while at the same time to eliminate the possibility of the virus spreading. 

In this way, in the event of a case or a suspected case, all members of the group to which the case belongs will be restricted, and the unit’s needs will be met by the second team until the examination and results are completed. According to the article, at the same time, the camp area is being disinfected and all the infected persons contacts are being tracked automatically, something which is made easier with the operation of the two security groups.

In this context, the National Guard has canceled all exercises such as the “Argonaut” exercise, as well as the joint exercises that were planned in the framework of the tripartite cooperation.

It is noted that a joint Greek-Israeli-US aeronautical exercise scheduled for March has been canceled. It would have been the first exercise of its kind in which Cyprus would participate with National Guard forces.

In addition, all reservists exercises for March and April have been canceled.

Apart from that, the National Guard does not remain idle and assists in the effort to limit the dispersion of the coronavirus COVID-19. Specifically, in direct cooperation with the Police, the restrictive measures implementation is being supervised. According to Defence Minister Savva Angelidis, National Guard members have taken on the task of overseeing quarantine sites with people who have returned from abroad for two weeks.

In addition, National Guard patrols, mainly from the military police, are patrolling the streets in order to assist the Police since they are not allowed to report citizens. In case  they locate anything that needs further intervention, they immediately notify the Police, while at the same time they make recommendations.

The article also states that the Minister Savvas Angelidis, submitted a proposal during a teleconference with the defence Ministers of the Member States of the European Union, for the creation of a common reserve mechanism.

Regarding the classification of the new recruits in July, the Minister of Defence said that at the moment nothing is changing. The issue of the classification of the new recruits is being studied and a committee has been set up by the Ministry of Defence and the National Guard General Staff, which will decide whether this will be done properly as planned.

He also said that the change of procedures will be analyzed, in order to reduce the risks of the virus transmission. In any case, according to the Minister, all this will depend on the general situation in Cyprus and the possible extension of the school year and the entrance exams.

Lieutenant General Elias Leontaris addressed his last message announcing the completion of his service as commander-in-chief of the National Guard General Staff (NGGS) and his service in the armed forces.

In his message, the Chief of the General Staff addressed the reservists, civilians and those who worked with him during his 43 years of service both in Greece and Cyprus. 

Below we quote a translation of his message:

” In just a few days, I am completing more than four decades of active service in the armed forces of Greece and Cyprus, and before taking up my uniform for the last time, I consider it my obligation to address you.  

Address you, who during the times and in various places have accepted me as your partner, superior officer or subordinate and I had the privilege of influencing or regulating your personal and professional life with my decisions or orders and represented you both domestically and abroad. 

It was really a great honor and now that the fulfilment of time is approaching I would like to thank you for what you are and for what you do.  

You, people from our active force, reserves,  and civilian personnel, represent a small proportion of our people, but you have responded to the call to serve your country and the Greek nation in a period of a peculiar warfare.  

You have accepted the challenge of excellence, you have chosen a particular way of life, and you have sacrificed a part of yourself for the common good.  

You have chosen to make the difference with your presence in every corner of the territory, land, air and sea. 

You belong to those who do not simply talk !!!!, but accept the challenges, participate in the “living” and evolution of our organization, perceive crises as opportunities, and face threats, (conventional, asymmetric or hybrid), with determination. 

Like your predecessors, you are just men and women coming from all the social classes, and all corners of Hellenism. You are the one showing great courage, commitment to purpose and commitment to duty. 

With your help:  

• We can defend our country, maintain security and stability in our region, and ensure the well-being of our people. 
• We earned the confidence of our friends and allies 
• Cyprus and Greece play a role in the international environment and the world acknowledge this with a “different view” 
• We create deterrence  and emit a powerful message to every one who threats our independence and sovereignty

You are our competitive advantage and our valuable power multiplier.

You are our military family, an institution which I invite you to embrace and reinforce its presence in society. 

Me, my wife Sonia and our children Eliana and Thanos are very aware of the particularities, challenges and sacrifices of each military family.   

We also know that the strength of our Armed Forces is our personnel and our personnel is our military family.  

We, as a family, thank you for opening your heart and welcoming us into your homes.  

A journey reaches its destination. A 43 years old journey through narrow, dirt and paved roads, forests and valleys, plain and rough terrain, remote and small or abandoned villages, towns and cities.  Along the way I met many ordinary and important people, experienced bitterness and joy, had small and great moments, and gained experiences. 

Let me close by saying that as I retire from active service, I am leaving for my new life with incredible pride and immense gratitude, not only because I became a General and Chief, but simply because I had the fortune and honor to “walk” with you and command soldiers.  

Thank you everyone and I assure you that I will remain one of you in my new life. 

Lt Gen Elias Leontaris 

Chief»