According to an announcement by the General Staff of the National Guard (GEEF), on Thursday, February 4, 2021, in the context of urban warfare operational training, the 6th Mechanized Brigade in the area of Lythrodontas conducted a small-scale exercise codenamed “KALYPSO”.

With this exercise the 2nd phase of the urban warfare operational training was completed, at Brigade level. The exercise lasted three weeks during which the personnel were trained in the tactics used in this type of warfare.

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According to the announcement, the exercise was attended by the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Democritus Zervakis, who witnessed the personnel’s training level during the exercise.

Left: Fighter with NG combat vest and Kevlar helmet. Right: Fighter with High Cut type helmet, headsets, different type of combat vest

Based on the photos released by the National Guard, however, the National Guard’s deficiencies in modern equipment are evident, an issue that has not been resolved for years, with the exception of the Special Forces’ equipment. 

G3A3 rifle with picatinny rod

Specifically, the participating personnel’s personal equipment (e.g. High-Cut style helmets, combat vests, gloves, sights, etc.) was not provided by the national Guard – as part of its obligations – but rather on the private initiative of the participants themselves. 

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The initiative and interest of both Executives and Professional Soldiers (SYOPs) in improving personal gear is certainly commendable, but the inability of the National Guard to provide essential equipment to its personnel is reproved and unjustified. 

Note the combat vest with magazine holders of different colors and style, G3 rifle painted in sand camouflage, laser pointer with sights and different types of helmets

It is unacceptable that in 2021, there are frontline units which provide M1 helmets – dating from WWII, not only to reservists but, in some cases, to conscripts too. 

The well-known US-type ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) kits are still a basic equipment item for most National Guard units and should normally have been replaced by modern combat vests that provide anti-ballistic protection, especially in the case of personnel that will be called to man the Forward Defence Line.

The only improvement in terms of the individual equipment of the National Guard personnel lies in the provision of multicam military uniform and modern boots for the entire active force. We believe that in addition to any urgent needs in costly armament programs, the issue of personal equipment should be resolved immediately, with a holistic solution that includes all the necessary items (except individual weapons), to fulfill the mission of the modern fighter. The upgrade or change of the individual weapons for the entire National Guard is to be discussed in another article.

Also read: 

https://defenceredefined.com.cy/hellenic-national-defence-general-staff-first-official-appearance-of-mark-v-unconventional-warfare-vessels-photos-video/