Filenews 10 February 2025
2025 has been designated as the Year of Women in the National Guard, according to an announcement by the National Guard General Staff. The announcement refers to the gathering held last Tuesday, during which the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, presented the 2024 balance sheet and the goals for 2025.
According to the National Guard's announcement, the gathering referred to the work completed in 2024, the year when the National Guard celebrated 60 years since its establishment and was dedicated to NCOs, who form the base of the force.
In addition, goals for 2025 include the establishment of the "Year of Women in National Guard" to highlight women's significant contribution to strength, on an equal footing with their male colleagues.
In his speech, the Chief of the National Guard referred to the work that has been carried out and continues by the staff of the National Guard in all areas of its activity, stressing its contribution to the security and stability of the Republic of Cyprus and the wider region of the Southeastern Mediterranean. "It is remarkable the size of the work produced by such a small number of staff," he said.
He then set priorities for 2025, with particular emphasis on the human resources of the National Guard, which is its catalytic force multiplier. One of the main points concerns the optimal management of personnel, placing the right person in the right position and amending the regulations for the meritocratic advancement of Officers, Second Lieutenants, Permanent Non-Commissioned Officers and NCOs, in order to strengthen the sense of justice, increase discipline and strengthen professional awareness.
The Chief of the National Guard also referred to the need to implement innovative actions to enhance the staffing of the Units. In this context, it is proposed to upgrade the institution of SYOPs, the establishment of the institution of Short Reenlistment Soldiers (OBA) and the implementation of voluntary conscription for women.
Another goal for 2025 is the establishment of the institution of the Adjutant of Command, which will strengthen the role of NCOs and provide significant advisory support to Commanders of all levels.
For the National Guard personnel, which includes reservists and national guards, programs are planned to utilize their time in the force, as well as the upgrade of their personal equipment.
In the field of education, the procedures will be modified to ensure continuous improvement of staff, with the aim of making everyone a force multiplier at their level.
Regarding modernization, the reorganization of the National Guard and its Administrations and Directorates is planned to respond to modern challenges and threats, making maximum use of the capabilities of the state's personnel and material resources.
To address the challenges, the National Guard will continue its cooperation with the Armed Forces of friendly countries, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and enhancing interoperability for the successful completion of joint actions that ensure security and stability.
The new structure of the National Guard also includes the establishment of an Air Firefighting Squadron, which will contribute to the fight against forest fires.
Finally, in the context of upgrading infrastructure, the aim is to improve existing facilities, with emphasis on ammunition depots and cooperation for the development of Pafos Air Base and Mari Naval Base, for the benefit of the National Guard.
In addition, the maintenance of materials and the introduction of new weapon systems will continue, while modern technology will be exploited in training and surveillance.
The Chief of the National Guard concluded by saying that the staff of the National Guard, with dedication, passion and vision for the collective good, will continue to consistently fulfil its honorary mission. "We did a lot together. Methodically and passionately, we will do even more," he said.
