Defence Redefined

Published on 01/06/2020 at 13:30

The joint-service exercise of the National Guard (NG) “NIKITIS – DIMITRA 2020” begins tomorrow. The annual exercise will be held this year between 02-05 June 2020 without the participation of reserve forces and with increased protection measures due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Also read: The postponement of the reserves routine activities is being extended

The purpose of the exercise is to maintain and increase the operational readiness of the Army with the appropriate training of personnel in issues and scenarios that involve all units of the NG at the 3 levels of the operational environment (land, sea and air).

Through various scenarios with the main purpose of dealing with conventional and asymmetric threats, the exercise examines the rational management of available resources. Furthermore, it examines the organization of the Staff in operational design and coordination teams as well as the accuracy and effectiveness of the tasks in performing the execution and deployment actions. The results will be processed for further upgrading of training quality.

This year’s exercise “NIKITIS – DIMITRA 2020”, will be different compared to previous years, due to the pandemic of the novel coronavirus and the measures to combat its spread. The main difference will be the absence of reserve forces who used to staff operational teams in the planning of the exercise.

According to information from the Ministry of Defence, the precautionary measures of the personnel and the conscripts who will take part in the exercise, will be fully compatible with the protocols of the Ministry of Health. Characteristically, for the first time, the exercise will be performed using antiseptic fluids, with a mandatory use of face masks while maintaining distances among the people throughout the exercise.

In addition, the individual tents, which usually accommodated two people, will host only one this year. The same will apply to larger tents, where the distance of two meters will be maintained for those who will stay in them.

Throughout the exercise there will be full health support and any army professional or conscript, who develops symptoms of respiratory problems or fever will be removed immediately from the exercise.

The National Guard, in this critical period, managed to adapt to the new facts, following all the necessary measures for the protection of the personnel while, at the same time, being able to conduct its operational activities.

Also read: National Guard and COVID-19 | The assessment of the situation and the ranking plan of the new recruits of 2020 Class