2. THE HUMAN RESOURCES IN ARMED FORCES
2.1. Military personnel
The military personnel consists of the career and the enlisted personnel.
The career military personnel includes the following categories:
- Career Officers
- Officers in special categories
- Re-enlisted Reserve Officers
- Warrant-Officers
- Career-Volunteer Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
- Volunteer female NCOs
- Military school students
- Five year term volunteers (male and female).
The needs in career military personnel are annually covered by graduates from the military Academies and the NCO schools.
The training of the career personnel aims at providing the armed forces with personnel in the entire command structure consisting of Officers able to command their units, to occupy critical posts of specialisation, and to meet the multi-directional staff demands.
Each year, enlisted personnel join the armed forces to do their military service which is compulsory according to Greek legislation. The number of enlisted personnel serving depends on the number of persons registered each year in the recruiting records.
It should be noted that due to the demographic problem in our country, class performance is gradually decreasing. It has been estimated that the class of the year 2011 (born in 1990) will be only 57.6% of the year 1955 class (born in 1934). It has also been estimated that only 60.3% of the enlisted people that are called in each class finally joins the armed forces. For the class of the year 1999, it has been estimated that the percentage of the enlisted people will be about 50%. The main reason for not joining is the deferment due to studies or health problems.
The continuous decrease of the draftee resources is expected to have a negative effect to the combat effectiveness of the armed forces, in case the present structure and recruiting system are maintained.
The Ministry of Defence is oriented to a radical re-structuring of the armed forces, in order to significantly improve their combat effectiveness and overcome the weaknesses of the present system.
One of the priorities of the Ministry of Defence is to improve the salaries of the armed forces personnel, to correspond with their performance. A new bill was passed for the wages of the armed forces personnel, which also covers the personnel of the security forces, the Coast-guard and the Fire Department.
The new salary policy is based on the following principles:
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a. A fixed rate has been established between the minimum wages of all ranks to the minimum wages of the second lieutenant.
b. The abolition and incorporation of the thirteen out of sixteen existing allowances, as well as the automatically calculated consumer's index increase, with the exception of the service and family allowances. These extra payments will remain at the same level with the ones of the civilian personnel.
c. Retainment and rescheduling of the rationalisation allowance which regulates payment differences.
d. A special employment allowance for all cadres and as a staff responsibility allowance for the General/Flag Officers, due to the importance of their position, were also established.
Law 2439/96 is of major importance for the personnel of the armed forces because it regulates "the command structure and the career of the Officers in the armed forces" and rationalises the system, related to the cadres of the armed forces:
- The meritorious and rapid promotion of capable Officers.
- The establishment of a percentage rating scale for the evaluation of the Officers.
- The establishment of fixed criteria for assignments.
- The provision of the possibility for all capable Officers omitted from the promotion lists for General/Flag
2.1.1. Military Personnel Training
Army Training
Officers' Training
- Induction: Military Academy (Education equivalent to University)
- Duration of Studies: Four (4) years
- Admission : National Entry Examinations, common to those for University level faculties and additional special medical examinations, physical fitness and psychometric tests.
- Academic Curriculum: University, theoretical and professional knowledge, as well as practice.
- Programme of Studies: First and second semesters (from early-September to mid-June) University education and practice. Third mid-season (mid-June to mid-July) training in Kehries.
During their career, all officers must attend four (4) additional compulsory courses:
- Arms-Corps Application School, approximately seven (7) months long, where 2nd Lieutenants are taught technical and tactical subjects of the Arm or Corps in which they have been commissioned.
- Advanced Training Course, approximately twelve (12) weeks long, for Captains within three years after their promotion, where officers are taught technical and tactical subjects of their Arm or Corps.
- Higher Army War College staff officers Course, twelve (12) weeks long, mandatory for Captains after their graduation from the Advanced Training Courses and covering Brigade and Regiment echelon.
- Higher Army War College, forty-four (44) weeks long, for Captains and up to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, after entry examinations, covering Division echelon and above. Successful graduation from the College is required for Officers' promotion to general/flag rank.
Moreover, Engineers, Technical, Supply and Transportation and Ordnance Corps Officers attend courses provided for the Departments of Technical and in Economic Universities Greece, while several others attend specialised schools or post graduate studies in Greece and abroad in the following fields:
In Greece:
Strategic Studies, European Studies, Turkish Studies, Balkan Peninsula History, Operational Research - Statistics, Computer Studies, Food Chemistry
Abroad:
In the United States of America (Monterey, Army War College, National Defence University)
In the United Kingdom (National Defence College)
In Italy (National defence College, Communications School)
In Germany and France (Army War College)
In Russia, Romania, Bulgaria (National Defence College).
NCOs Training
- Induction: NCOs School
- Duration of Studies: 2 years
- Specialties: They are assigned to the administrative and technical branches and,while at School, they are allocated to the Arms-Corps of the Army. Career NCOs training continues after the graduation at Application Schools of Arms-Corps. Furthermore, career NCOs can, during their assignment, attend specialty schools (in-country and abroad) on devices and weapon systems, according to their specialty.
Training of Enlisted Personnel
Those enlisted for full military service attend the following training cycles, starting at the time of their enlistment at the various Training Centres.
Training Cycle A:
- Basic Training eight (8) weeks long, aiming at adapting them to the military life providing military and physical training as well as individual and tactical training. They are given specialties and then attend respective special training.
Training Cycle B:
- Special Training, ranging from four (4) to thirteen (13) weeks depending on each specialty. It is conducted in Units or in Special training Centres. Training is finalised in Field-Units (Cycle B), twenty-six (26) weeks long, where specialty training is completed, and special knowledge and experience are obtained in the weapon system, means or equipment to which each individual has been assigned, along with the conduct of tactical exercises.
Training Cycle C:
During the rest of the military service, training continues in Cycle C Units, where refreshment courses are conducted and performance levels are
Navy Training
Training of Officers
- Induction: Naval Academy (Education equivalent to University level).
- Duration of Studies: Four (4) years (Naval Cadets and Engineers.) One (1) year (Ensigns of the Supply branch and Coast guard Officers with a University degree).
- Admission: National Entry Examination, common to those for University Level Faculties (for Naval Cadets) and additional special medical examinations, physical fitness and psychotechnic tests.
- Academic Curriculum: University theoretical and professional knowledge as well as practice in warships.
- Programme of studies: Each year of education is divided into two semesters:
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a) Winter (the first ten days of September - the last ten days of June). Theory and practice.
b) Summer (July - End of August). Long duration instructional tour aboard the training ship "ARIS".
During their career, all Officers must attend four (4) additional Compulsory Courses:
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A. Ships Supervision assistant Directors School, forty (40) working days long. Furthermore, Officers obtain theoretical and practical training on the equipment of the ship in which they are going to serve and on their duties as Officers.
B. Ships Supervision Directors School, three (3) months long (for sea-captains), seven (7) and six (6) for Engineers and Supply Officers. Upon training's completion, sea-captains attend Operations Specialty Schools, Navigation Direction, Communications, Antisubmarine Warfare and Weapons Systems.
C. Navy Staff Officers Schools for Lieutenants, approximately four (4) months long, where they get a staff Officer degree.
D. Navy War College for Lieutenant Commanders or Commanders, seven (7) months long. Successful graduation from Navy War College is required for promotion to Flag Officers ranks.
Several officers attend Specialty Schools or post graduate studies abroad, some of them are listed below:
- in U.S.A (Monterey, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Naval War College, etc.)
- in Great Britain (National Defence College, Staff Officers College, Electronic Warfare)
- in Italy (National Defence College, Communications School)
- in Germany (Supply)
- in the Netherlands (Helicopters)
- in Belgium (Antisubmarine Warfare).
NCOs Education
- Induction: Navy NCO School
- Duration of studies: 2 years. It corresponds to two classes, each one year long.
- Specialty/Skills: The specialties/skills in which Navy NCOs are allocated are the following:
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* Navigators
* Telegraphists
* Signalmen
* Radio locators
* Gun technicians
* Managers
* Quartermasters
* Medical orderlies
* Electricians
* Fire Direction Electronics / Automated Systems / Communication / Radio Locators / Antisubmarine Systems / Underwater Weapons' Specialists
* Torpedoes - Mine Technicians
* Mechanics
* Technicians - Adjusters / Internal Combustion Engines Adjusters
* Laminators / Founders / Blacksmiths / Welders / Climatisation Specialists / Technicians / Tube makers / Boat Repairmen / Moulders
- Career NCOs training continues afterwards in Schools of their specialty or skill in the rank of Petty Officers, and finally in a general training School, in the rank of Warrant Officer. Furthermore, career NCOs, during their assignment, attend specialty Schools in country and abroad, on devices and weapon systems according to their specialty.
Training of Enlisted Personnel
Navy enlisted join Training Centres "PALASKAS", "KANELLOPOULOS" and "POROS". After approximately 30 days they are allocated to various Schools for a few days of specialty courses.
Air Force Training
Air Force schools for officers and NCOs include the Air Force Academy, Air Radio navigators school, Air force Technical NCO School and administrative NCO School.
Enlistment of new students (male - female) in the schools' first class takes place every year through the national entry examinations held by the Ministry of Education and following preliminary medical, physical fitness and psychotechnic tests conducted by the Air Force General Staff.
Air force Academy is equivalent preparation to other public universities, and aims at the training of pilots, officers specialised in operational and administrative support, capable of responding to the increased responsibilities of a very sophisticated organisation such as the Air Force, and of a very sensitive area in terms of operations, like the Hellenic air space.
Training in the Air Force Academy aims at giving to its graduates all the knowledge necessary in their career in order to adapt to the rapid technological developments and meet new challenges. Training is divided in military, academic, physical and aviation and provides the students with the possibility of postgraduate studies in various areas, such as: international law, international relations, European social policy, international public affairs, etc.
(see graphic 1)
2.1.2. Training of Female Personnel
In accordance with Law 1848/89 as amended by Law 1911/90, admission of female students to Armed Forces Schools (officers - NCOs) was allowed.
Military Academies accept female for all non-combat specialties at a percentage specified in accordance with MOD's guidelines. More specifically:
- Military Academy allows them to join the corps, i.e. Technical, Ordnance, Supply and Transportation.
- Naval Academy allows them to join Supply Officer Corps.
- Air Force Academy allows them to join the specialties of Engineer, Tele-communications - Electronics, Air installations Technicians, Administration, Supply, etc.
- Armed Forces Corps Officers School allows them to join the specialties of Physicians, Pharmacists, Veterinarians, Judicial, Recruitment, Financial Corps.
- Orderly Officers School recruits only Orderly Officers.
At this point it must be noted that the aforementioned Schools (Corps Officers and orderly) commission officers in all three (3) Branches of the Armed Forces.
A training programme (academic - military), as this is specified for their male colleagues is also applied in all the aforementioned Academies - Schools during their entire study of four (4) years.
Upon graduation they are commissioned as Second Lieutenants - Ensigns - Air Force Second Lieutenants and according to their specialty, they attend Application Schools. They are assigned and promoted like their male colleagues.
All the above are also valid for female personnel enlisting to the following NCOs Schools as well: Army NCO School, Naval NCO School, Air Force Technical and Administrative NCO Schools.
Further to the categories of female Officers - NCOs, there is a third category of female personnel, the Five - Year Term Volunteers.
They enlist in accordance with Law 1513/85 and specifically for the Army, they enlist at Female Personnel Training Centre (Goudi), for the Navy at Palaska Training Centre and for the Air Force at 128 Telecommunication - Electronics Training Group (Kavouri), where they attend basic training and are assigned as corporals - junior petty officers and Air Force corporals.
After completion of the aforementioned training, they attend Application and Specialty Schools to obtain knowledge on their specialty. They are assigned to Unit Services like their male colleagues and are promoted up to the rank of Warrant
2.2. Civilian Personnel
The civilian personnel, working at the services and the Corporate Entities under Public Law of the Ministry of National Defence, represent 26.1% of the permanent military staff, including those employed under civil law contracts.
One part of the civilian personnel is occupied in the administrative, financial and supply services. The largest percentage, however, are, mainly, of technical specialties occupied in the following sectors:
- Military factories and naval bases (maintenance, repair, overhaul of tanks, aircraft, ships, radar etc.);
- Research centres;
- The National Meteorological Service;
- The Army Geographic Service;
- Military hospitals.
3. MILITARY SERVICE
Law 2510/97 for the "settlement of military obligations of some categories of male enlisted, draft evaders and soldiers, amendment to the recruiting legislation, establishment of alternative service and other provisions" which was ratified in 1997 by Parliament, attempts to settle a number of issues related to the fulfillment of the military obligations of Greek citizens. The new law responds to the new facts and problems that arose in the period from the previous law on the "National Drafting System" until today.
Improvement of recruiting officesThe new law has taken into consideration the critical demographic situation dictating the imposition of stricter criteria, in allowing deferment and exceptions from compulsory service and offering incentives for younger generations to join the armed forces at the youngest possible age. This measure was considered appropriate to restrict insubordination and working out the chronic problem of draft evaders.
- The new staff organisation provides for subordination of all recruiting offices to the HNDGS through regional directorates.
- The computerisation study of all recruiting offices has been completed by the University of Athens.
- Detailed instructions were issued to the recruiting offices regarding the expedient service of citizens.
- The new standard operating procedures of all recruiting offices was ratified, effective 1-7-97. The new procedures establish bureaucracy suppression measures, expedient service of citizens, the simplification of procedures and the decentralisation of authority.
The new law aims to:
- Modernise the National recruiting System.
- Regulate with rationalised criteria the deferment and exception system.
- Integrate all valid but separate recruiting provisions of laws.
- Motivate a large number of draft evaders to enlist in the Armed Forces by providing serious incentives.
Specifically, the assignment of specialities to the conscripts is based on their education and their physical and psychological abilities, while at the same time it takes into consideration the needs of the Armed Forces. Thus, not only greater operational effectiveness is achieved for the units, but also the qualifications of the conscripts are utilised and expanded, so that after their discharge they also have work experience in their respective fields.
The determination of the abilities of the recruits is achieved mainly through medical examinations, while the assignment of specialities is mainly computerised.
(article 19-21)
4. RESERVE FORCES
The need for reserve forces results from the requirement to reinforce the active Units of the Armed Forces, in order to enable them to confront any potential external threat against the country. The Reserve Forces include:
- The Regular Reserve (retired) Officers.
- The discharged potential Reserve Officers, until they reach the age limit of their rank.
- The medical officers and soldiers with age limit per specialty.
- All those discharged from the Armed Forces up to the age of 50 years.
- Those who have not legally served in the Armed Forces, between 41 and 50 years of age. Unit manning with reservists starts with the mobilisation of classes of reservists, starting from the younger ages. Reservists to be called up first are the inhabitants of the respective region and in case that is not sufficient, from neighbouring geographical areas. The Units can complement their personnel with conscripts of their regular force to be discharged, conducting the so called "automatic integration".
A number of reservists participates periodically, in the following categories of exercises:
- joint exercises,
- exercises of the Service of the Armed Forces which they belong to,
- seven-day refresher training,
- one-day orientation course at a Unit close to their residence.
The Veteran Combatants, War Casualties and Invalids Directorate developed, in the last two years, special activity in order to fulfil the requirements of social groups including invalids and war casualties. Among them, there are activities which concern reserve officers as well as those concerning the awarding to veteran reservists for their participation in the National Resistance.
The discharged Potential Reserve officers attend training courses in respective Schools of their Service and Arms/Corps in order to qualify for promotion, while reserve soldiers are trained in respective Training Centres to receive a second or third specialty, in addition to the one they had when discharged.
It is characteristic that due to the demographic problems of the country, the needs of the active Units, anticipated to be complemented with reserve personnel, are increasing. Furthermore, it is estimated that the use of the appropriate computer system for reserve forces, will drastically reduce the time of mobilisation, if needed.
5. CIVIL DEFENCE
Civil defence is the participation in the national defence of the available local potential of both sexes, who can provide services and is not included in the Armed Forces and the National Guard complements. The concept of civil defence is based on the notion that the National Defence is and must be an affair concerning all citizens, requiring nation-wide mobilisation. In this sense, the term means:
- the gradual incorporation of wider population groups into the defence planning for mobilisation in the event of a threat to our national security; and
- the awakening and the essential contribution of the civilians to defence activities.
The peace-time mission of the Civil Defence is:
- The political protection, i.e. dealing with natural, technological or other disasters.
The missions of Civil Defence during crises or war include:
(a) The political defence, i.e. blackout, camouflage of sensitive areas, population warning about air-strikes etc.
(b) Area defence.
Related subjects are governed by a bill of law, the discussion of which has already started and is expected to be completed in mid 1998.
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CIVIL EMERGENCY PLANNING
- the co-ordination and monitoring, in co-operation with the Ministry of Public Order, of the defence policy concerning the protection and survival of civilians in war time;
- the co-ordination and monitoring of statutory and organisational subjects of its responsibility, as well as the organisation of exercises at national level;
- the co-ordination and organisation, in co-operation with the Ministry of Public Order, of civilian personnel, of organisations and of enterprises employees training;
- the determination of the way and the extent of involvement of the Armed Forces, in both the prevention and handling of natural or technological disasters;
- the determination of the way and the extent of involvement of the Armed Forces in the reforestation of the country;
- finally, the co-operation with foreign countries and international organisations, such as the UN, NATO, and the WEU in emergency related situations.
The Civil Emergency Planning includes the planning and the programming of the organisation, preparation and activation of the country's civilian forces, for survival during the war as well as for handling of emergency situations, disasters or serious technical accidents, in peace or war.
The mission of the Civil Emergency Planning is carried out according to decisions of the Government Council on Foreign Affairs and National Defence, by all the Ministries and subordinate agencies. The Ministry of National Defence is the highest responsible co-ordinating Agency for providing guidance to civilian agencies involved.
The main activities of the Civil Emergency Planning are:
6. MEDICAL SERVICE
The mission of this service is mainly the medical support of the Armed Forces in case of war and its contribution to the sustainment of the physical condition of the Armed Forces personnel. In order to carry out this mission, the medical service disposes, from peacetime, the required personnel and means for:
- Early response to emergencies and proper training of the medical personnel, in the units
- High level hospitalisation, special medical support (e.g. for airmen and divers) as well as training - specialisation of the personnel, in hospitals.
The current structure of the medical corps of the three Services consists of:
- Medical Corps Directorates, which are Staff organisations responsible for medical matters, in peace and war;
- Military Hospitals, which provide hospitalisation to the military and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces as well as to other social groups (the Hellenic Police, the Fire Department as well as to civilians), providing auxiliary services to the National Health System;
- Special Medical Committees;
- Infirmaries in Units, Ships and Air-bases;
- Mobilisation Units of the Medical service for the Army;
- Ship Hospitals for the treatment and evacuation of casualties in time of war for the Navy;
- Field surgeries-hospitals for the treatment of casualties in air-bases, in time of war, for the Air Force.
The Army Medical Corps
First echelon medical aid is provided by the medical staff of the units, the return services and the outpatients wards of the military hospitals. Hospitalisation is provided by the military hospitals (401 Athens General Military Hospital and 424 General Training Military Hospital in Thessaloniki) and, in case that is not feasible, by civilian hospitals.
In order to monitor the health of the military personnel, as well as some specialties of civilian personnel (Orderly, Microbiology and X-ray Technicians, Barbers, Cooks etc.), medical examinations are conducted at unit level and in all the military hospitals. All Army personnel undergo annual medical examinations. Military Academy candidates as well as Corps Officers, Orderly and NCOs Schools, the five year term volunteer candidates, and the conscripts not capable of joining the Recruit Training Centres due to serious health problems, are also examined in the military hospitals.
The training of the medical officers and NCOs is conducted at the Medical Application School under the supervision of the Medical Directorate, HAGS.
The Supreme Army Medical Committee is the responsible agency to provide physical condition certificates.
The number of hospitalised (of all categories) in the Army Hospitals reaches 200,000 annually.
Navy Medical Corps
First echelon medical aid is provided by the sick-bays of the naval services and war ships and the outpatients wards of naval hospitals (Athens Naval Hospital, Crete Naval Hospital, salamis naval Hospital). Hospitalised treatment is provided by the clinics and laboratories of naval hospitals. In case that this is not feasible, treatment is provided by other state or private clinics.
The Supreme Naval Medical Committee is the agency responsible for providing physical condition certificates. It also decides on the initial induction or enlistment of personnel in the Navy.
In detail, the Navy medical Corps consists of 198 physicians, 15 pharmacists, 18 dentists and 137 orderlies. The number of hospitalised (of all categories) in the Hellenic Naval Hospitals reaches 12.000 annually. The number of available beds in Naval Hospitals is 440.
Air force Medical corps
First echelon medical aid is provided by the medical services of the units and the outpatients wards of the 251 General Air force Hospital. In order to monitor the health of the military personnel, as well as some specialties of the civilian personnel (Barbers, Cooks etc.) medical examinations are conducted at unit level, at the 251 General Airforce Hospital and at the Air Medicine Centre.
The medical examinations of pilots for certifying their flying ability is effected in the Air Medicine Centre. During the medical examination of these Officers, training is also provided in flight physiology subjects. The training of medical officers in air medicine is conducted at the Air Medicine Training School under the supervision of the Air Medicine Centre. Examinations for all Air force Schools candidates also take place in the Air Medicine Centre.
The Supreme Air force Medical Committee is the agency responsible for providing physical condition certificates. it also decides on the initial induction of any person, military or civilian in the flying personnel.
7. MILITARY JUSTICE
A new Armed Forces Judicial Corps code was established by law 2304/95. The provisions of this code apply to the Armed Forces judicial corps military judges. A new legal status established by these provisions conferred multiple institutional changes in the Armed Forces judicial organisation and the status of military judges.
The new code guarantees functional and personal independence of the judiciary (Art. 96 par. 5 of the Constitution), the lack of which had provoked serious difficulties related to the administration of justice and personal independence of military judges. The Armed Forces judiciary corps is directly subordinate to the Minister of National Defence.
The Ministry of National Defence has established a Directorate of Military Justice, directly subordinate to the Minister of National Defence.
The responsibilities regulated by the Code cannot be transferred to other agencies and are implemented by the Directorate of Military Justice.
The Judiciary are administered by the Supreme Judicial Council, which deals with promotions, transfers, and runs the services' affairs without the involvement of the Armed Forces, as was the case until today.
The members of the judiciary are assigned strictly and purely legal duties, even when they work in administrative positions. The disciplinary jurisdiction applied to the Armed Forces judiciary is exercised by the Supreme Court, the five and eleven member Section of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Disciplinary Board according to Art. 91 of the Constitution.
Staff organisation of the Armed Forces Judiciary is as follows:
The responsibilities of the above mentioned personnel are included in the Armed Forces judicial code and the Military Penal Code.
In August 1995, the new military penal code was ratified by the first article of law 2287/95. Most Military Courts are mainly composed by judges. Prosecution under this code was transferred from the Commander of a major military formation to the Prosecutor of the respective Military court.
Today the following military courts operate in Hellas: six army-courts in Athens, Thessaloniki, Xanthi, Larissa, Khania and Ioannina, two naval courts in Piraeus and Khania, three air courts in Athens, Larissa and Khania, and one Court of Appeal in Athens.
The composition of these courts is:
| Court of Appeal | |
| Chairman | Procecutor |
| Vice-Chairman | Vice-procecutor |
| Members | |
| Military, Naval and Air Courts | |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Procecutor |
| Vice-Chairman | Vice-procecutor |
| Judges | |
The responsibilities, replacements and exceptions applicable to them, are detailed in the new military penal code.
Application of the above Codes is a major step forward for the fast conduct of trials and the administration of justice.
In May 1997 the Directorate of Military Justice organised in Athens the 15th International Conference on Humanitarian Law and Armed Conflicts with a wide participation from the international legal community.
Finally, visits were exchanged with delegations from the Judicial Corps of Poland, Romania and other countries.
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