In a formal military ceremony on Friday, the Republic of Cyprus welcomed new members into its special forces. The event took place at the 'Stelios Mavrommatis' training facility in Stavrovouni. The country's Commander-in-Chief, President Nikos Christodoulides, attended the ritual with senior defense leaders and families. The ceremony marked the end of a very demanding training program, during which the recruits earned their distinctive green berets.
Before receiving their berets, the new soldiers gave a field demonstration. They showed their advanced tactical skills and proved they are ready for operations. Speaking to the audience, President Christodoulides expressed the state's great pride in the soldiers' achievements. He explained that Cyprus holds a unique and important position in the region. As the European Union member state closest to areas of constant instability, the country needs elite military units. These forces must be prepared to conduct complex humanitarian missions and emergency responses across the Eastern Mediterranean.
The president then spoke directly to the soldiers' families. He explained that the green beret is much more than a simple piece of uniform. It is a powerful symbol that represents a special combination of personal qualities. These include a strong character, a deep sense of responsibility, and significant mental strength. He thanked the families, stating that the values they taught their children at home are the foundation that allows special forces soldiers to succeed in their difficult jobs. In this way, military families also make a vital, though indirect, contribution to national security.
The day also featured a special photo exhibition called "The Historical Legacy of Cypriot Special Forces." The president officially toured this display, which documents over sixty years of the elite forces' history. He said the exhibition has two main purposes: to honor soldiers who have died and to recognize all members who have helped defend the country. The collection includes historical photographs, objects, and symbols that show how these specialized units have developed from their beginning to the present day.
A large part of the exhibition focuses on important military events and the critical period of the 1974 Turkish intervention, highlighting acts of bravery. President Christodoulides said he hopes more students will visit the exhibition to learn about this specialized military service. He also expressed a desire to recruit more women into the National Guard, showing an institutional goal to create a more diverse military.
This ceremony happens while Cyprus continues its diplomatic efforts to resolve the long-standing Cyprus dispute. The country spends a large part of its budget on defense, one of the highest rates in Europe. Presenting these elite soldiers to the public not only demonstrates military readiness but also shows national strength to both local and international audiences. As the president made clear, the event and exhibition together highlight the need to honor the military's past while steadily building a strong defense for the future.