Hellenikos Stratos 2303

INTRODUCTION

A relatively small nation located on a geopolitically important region of Earth and faced with considerable external threats in the east, Greece maintains a well trained modern army that has seen not inconsiderable combat during the 23rd century. With most potential opponents having considerably larger populations than Greece, the country relies to maintaining an edge in training, doctrine and equipment over its potential opponents. The price is the costliest army per soldier of south-eastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Narrative

Terminology

Order of Battle

Background

Recent Military Actions

Foreign relations and off Earth commitments

Defence issues

Organization

Divisions and other notable units.

Personnel and Rank structure.

Equipment

Appendix A. Heavy division organization

Appendix B. Unit names.

Acknowledgements

The all too many writers on Etranger from whom I shamelessly borrowed weapons systems and ideas. Dan Hebditch for hosting this in addition to the above. Mitteleuropa and the Multinational commission for Garten are both ideas of Randy McDonald and the Nea Hellas enclave stems from the latter. Nova Ostia and its ongoing transfer to Greek sovereignty come from Ben Levy’s writings on Provincia do Brazil.

Narrative

The last time lochagos Georgiou had seen a city burning had been as a DEA with the 2^nd para squadron in the ending days of the Central Asian War. Tirana burning under him were much closer to home and the burning as much the doing of the Hodjaists fighting the Etemists than anything the anything the Greek and Italian forces had done. As far as Georgiou was concerned Ramiz Etem the father of modern Albanian communism was mad enough and his followers nowadays not much better. But at least they left foreigners with the bad taste of visiting Albania alone. Hodjaists named after the ultra-Stalinist isolationist leader of 20^th century Albania were not and taking drastic measures to remove foreigners from among their mist.

Unlike the CAW, flak over Tirana was limited as the tilt-rotors started landing with Greek and Italian paratroopers darting out of them and moving to secure a perimeter around the embassies. Georgiou passed by the familiar feature of a burning Type 27 heavy tank as he advanced with his men. The Guards brigade had gone partly to the Hodjaists and was being used to threaten the embassies. But from intimidation and coups to full scale urban warfare there was a distance and the Greek and Italian fighters now roaring over Tirana had way lesser trouble than they should in destroying the Type 27s. By the night the civilians in the embassies would be safely in Greece…

Excerpt from "Rival Eagles"

Trojan Horse editions,

Nicosia, 2303

Terminology

Why a glossary before anything else? To quote the English proverb. "It’s all Greek to me." Terms not found here can be found in parentheses in the OOB.

Abbreviation	Full	Meaning
AED	Archigeio Enoplon Dynameon	Armed Forces Headquarters
DEE	Dioikisis Eidikon Epixeiriseon	Special Operations Command
GES	Geniko Epiteleio Stratou	Army General Staff
-	Soma Stratou	Corps
-	Merarchia	Division
-	Taxiarchia	Brigade
	Merarchia Katadromon	Commando Division
	Merarchia Pezonauton	Marine Division
	Tethorakismeni Merarxia	Armored Division
	Merarchia Pezikou	Infantry Division
	Merarchia Ippikou	Cavalry Division

INDEX

ORDER OF BATTLE

Archigeio Enoplon Dynameon (AED)

Dioikisis Eidikon Epixeiriseon

ETA (Army paracommando)

Ieros Lochos (Sacred Band, army amphibious commando)

DYK (navy SEAL)

31^st SMEE (HAF commando)

Geniko Epiteleio Stratou (GES)

475^th Signal Battalion

35^th MI Regiment

B Soma Stratou

1^st Recon Battalion

476^th Signal Battalion

453^rd MI Battalion

701^st Engineer Battalion

II Artillery Brigade

101^st ADA Battalion

102^nd Heavy Artillery battalion

103^rd Rocket Artillery Battalion

104^th Rocket Artillery Battalion

105^th Rocket Artillery Battalion

III Merarchia Katadromon

1 Taxiarchia Katadromon "Kresna"

B Commando Squadron

Δ Commando Squadron

E Commando Squadron

2 Taxiarchia Alexiptotiston "Samos"

1^st Paratrooper Squadron

2^nd Paratrooper Squadron

3^rd Paratrooper Squadron

4^th Paratrooper Squadron (reserve)

III Oreini Taxiarchia "Rimini"

31^st Commando Squadron

32^nd Commando Squadron

33^rd Commando Squadron

5/42 Taxiarchia Katadromon "Nikolaos Plastiras" (reserve)

34^th Commando Squadron

38^th Commando Squadron

40^th Commando Squadron

V Merarchia Pezonauton

13 Taxiarchia Amphibion Katadromon "Dodekanesos"

A Amphibious Commando Squadron

Γ Amphibious Commando Squadron

Z Amphibious Commando Squadron

H Amphibious Commando Squadron (reserve)

32 Taxiarchia Pezonauton "Erythraia"

2^nd Armor Battalion

505^th Marine Battalion

521^st Marine Battalion

575^th Marine Battalion

106^th Artillery Battalion

702^nd Engineer Battalion

29 Taxiarchia Pezonauton "Lesvos"

3^rd Armor Battalion

501^st Marine Battalion

502^nd Marine Battalion

503^rd Marine Battalion

107^th Artillery Battalion

703^rd Engineer Battalion

1/38 Taxiarchia Pezonauton "Bizani"

4^th Armor Battalion

504^th Marine Battalion

506^th Marine Battalion

507^th Marine Battalion

108^th Artillery Battalion

704^th Engineer Battalion

A Soma Stratou

5^th Recon Battalion

477^th Signal Battalion

454^th MI Battalion

705^th Engineer Battalion

I Artillery Brigade

109^th ADA Battalion

110^th Heavy Artillery Battalion

111^th Rocket Artillery Battalion

112^th Rocket Artillery Battalion

113^th Rocket Artillery Battalion

XX Tethorakismeni Merarxia

XXI Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Rhodope"

6^th Armor Battalion

7^th Armor Battalion

508^th Infantry Battalion

509^th Infantry Battalion

114^th Artillery Battalion

706^th Engineer Battalion

XXV Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Petros Theodorou"

8^th Armor Battalion

9^th Armor Battalion

510^th Infantry Battalion

511^th Infantry Battalion

115^th Artillery Battalion

707^th Engineer Battalion

XXIII Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Lissa" (reserve)

10^th Armor Battalion

11^th Armor Battalion

512^th Infantry Battalion

513^th Infantry Battalion

116^th Artillery Battalion

708^th Engineer Battalion

478^th Signal Battalion

455^th MI Battalion

117^th ADA Battalion

118^th Artillery Battalion

II Merarchia Pezikou

34 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Apospasma Dialeti"

12^th Armor Battalion

13^th Armor Battalion

514^th Infantry Battalion

515^th Infantry Battalion

119^th Artillery Battalion

709^th Engineer Battalion

7 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Sarantaporos"

14^th Armor Battalion

15^th Armor Battalion

516^th Infantry Battalion

517^th Infantry Battalion

120^th Artillery Battalion

710^th Engineer Battalion

33 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Strymon" (reserve)

16^th Armor Battalion

17^th Armor Battalion

518^th Infantry Battalion

519^th Infantry Battalion

121^st Artillery Battalion

711^th Engineer Battalion

479^th Signal Battalion

456^th MI Battalion

122^nd ADA Battalion

123^rd Artillery Battalion

D Soma Stratou

18^th Recon Battalion

480^th Signal Battalion

457^th MI Battalion

712^th Engineer Battalion

IV Artillery Brigade

124^th ADA Battalion

125^th Heavy Artillery Battalion

126^th Rocket Artillery Battalion

127^th Rocket Artillery Battalion

128^th Rocket Artillery Battalion

Merarchia Ippikou

2 Taxiarchia Ippikou "Ephessos"

19^th Armor Battalion

20^th Armor Battalion

520^th Infantry Battalion

522^nd Infantry Battalion

129^th Artillery Battalion

713^th Engineer Battalion

3 Taxiarchia Ippikou "Dorylaion"

21^st Armor Battalion

22^nd Armor Battalion

523^rd Infantry Battalion

524^th Infantry Battalion

130^th Artillery Battalion

714^th Engineer Battalion

XXII Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Ypsala" (reserve)

23^rd Armor Battalion

24^th Armor Battalion

525^th Infantry Battalion

526^th Infantry Battalion

131^st Artillery Battalion

715^th Engineer Battalion

481^st Signal Battalion

458^th MI Battalion

132^nd ADA Battalion

133^rd Artillery Battalion

XII Merarchia Pezikou

30 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Adrianoupolis"

25^th Armor Battalion

26^th Armor Battalion

527^th Infantry Battalion

528^th Infantry Battalion

134^th Artillery Battalion

716^th Engineer Battalion

31 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Digenis"

27^th Armor Battalion

28^th Armor Battalion

529^th Infantry Battalion

530^th Infantry Battalion

135^th Artillery Battalion

717^th Engineer Batalion

37 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Xarkovo" (reserve)

29^th Armor Battalion

30^th Armor Battalion

531^st Infantry Battalion

532^nd Infantry Battalion

136^th Artillery Battalion

718^th Engineer Battalion

482^nd Signal Battalion

459^th MI Battalion

137^th ADA Battalion

138^th Artillery Battalion

I Merarchia Pezikou

XX Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Nicosia"

31^st Armor Battalion

32^nd Armor Battalion

533^rd Infantry Battalion

534^th Infantry Battalion

139^th Artillery Battalion

719^th Engineer Battalion

IV Taxiarchia Pezikou "ELDYK"

33^rd Armor Battalion

34^th Armor Battalion

535^th Infantry Battalion

536^th Infantry Battalion

140^th Artillery Battalion

720^th Engineer Battalion

50 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Grigoris Auxentiou" (reserve)

35^th Armor Battalion

36^th Armor Battalion

537^th Infantry Battalion

538^th Infantry Battalion

141^st Artillery Battalion

721^st Engineer Battalion

483^rd Signal Battalion

460^th MI Battalion

142^nd ADA Battalion

143^rd Artillery Battalion

Aeroporia Stratou (Army Aviation)

1 Taxiarchia Aeroporias stratou

1^st Assault Battalion

2^nd Assault Battalion

3^rd Transport Battalion

4^th Transport Battalion

2 Taxiarchia Aeroporias stratou

5^th Assault Battalion

6^th Assault Battalion

7^th Transport Battalion

8^th Transport Battalion

3 Taxiarchia Aeroporias stratou

9^th Assault Battalion

10^th Assault Battalion

11^th Transport Battalion

12^th Transport Battalion

INDEX

BACKGROUND

Independent since 1821 Greece found itself drawn in all three world wars of the 20^th century. Firmly on the western side during the first and second world wars and a NATO member since 1952 Greece was one of the NATO members that did not support the German aggression against the Soviet Union that turned the Soviet-Chinese war into the third world war instead opting for neutrality.

The Greek neutrality was seriously compromised when Turkey on the wake of her early victories over Bulgaria invaded Cyprus. Greece declared war on Turkey and till June 1997 would be a cobelligerent of the Soviet Union against Turkey but neutral in regards to NATO. At the same time a mutual defence pact was made with Italy, another NATO member that had declared its neutrality when the alliance attacked the Soviets. Forced into the war when the USN 6^th fleet attempted to drive through the Greek naval blockade of Turkey, the Hellenic Navy and air force would deal a severe defeat on the 6^th fleet in the battle of the gulf of Smyrna and war would be declared on July 1^st 1997.

When the war entered its nuclear phase Greece became target to multiple US nuclear attacks as well as a number of Israeli strikes. Greek and Italian forces would retaliate in kind using a small number of domestically made weapons and others of Soviet manufacture but this could not alleviate the heavy damage wrought on both countries.

Recovering from WW3 during the 21^st century, modern day Greece is a prosperous post-industrial nation with a not inconsiderable presence in space and a leading country in marine technology, the latter an understandable result of its geographic position and long maritime tradition. Greece together with Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria are parts of the Aimos Union a military and economic alliance.

Recent Military Actions

The Greek army has been involved in four major wars as well as a number of smaller conflicts during the past 60 years.

The 2^nd Aegean war (2243): Coming over 80 years after the 1^st Aegean war between Greece and Turkey the war would catch the Greek armed forces unprepared as relations with Turkey had been generally cordial for nearly all the way to the late 2230s. With Turkish-Bulgarian relations considerably worse the war was sparked by a border incident between Turkish and Bulgarian forces quickly expanding to include the other Aimos Union members as well as the Confederation of Palestine, Hungary and Croatia. The Turkish army would make considerable inroads into Bulgarian and Greek Thrace before being checked by Greek counterattacks. In the Aegean Turkish hovermobile forces taking advantage of the close proximity of the eastern Aegean islands to the Anatolian coast, would occupy Lesvos, Chios and Rhodes and a number of smaller islands while failing to take Samos before the Greek navy could intervene. While Lesvos would be recovered the ceasefire left Turkey with the rest of its gains.

The 4^th Bosnian war (2243-44): Also known as the Transylvanian war the war was the last of a long series of conflicts involving Hungary, Croatia and on occasion Austrovenia on one side and the Aimos allies on the other. Started by Hungary and Croatia taking advantage of the 2^nd Aegean to attack Serbia the war had mixed results as far as the Aimos alliew were concerned. Romania failed to make inroads in Transylvania but Aimos forces did rather better against Croatia especially after Greek naval units could be deployed to the Adriatic and Greek and Bulgaria reinforcements reach Serbia after a ceasefire was reached with Turkey. In the decades post the war relations with both Hungary and Croatia have steadily improved with the exception of a brief border conflict between Serbia and Croatia in 2278 that was quickly put under control.

The Kurdish-Armenian war 2267-2270: While not officially allied with Armenia, nor officially taking any part in the border war between Armenia and Turkey, Kurdistan and the Confederation of Palestine, the two nations maintained friendly ties for several centuries and Greece much like Russia did not view favorably the possibility of an escalation of the conflict that could possibly lead to the occupation of Armenia, both for strategic and moral reasons. While not openly threatening war Greece moved forces to Thrace and the Aegean while Russian forces deployed to the Caucasus to intervene in Armenia in case of invasion and Armenia "lent" the services of the Stratiodi military corporation. Russian and Greek special operation forces used the latter as a cover and to this day both governments neither confirm nor deny the participation of their forces to the conflict.

The 3^rd Aegean war (2274): The end result of mounting tensions ever since the time of the 2^nd Aegean war, renewed conflict found the Greek armed forces much better prepared than the previous one and while considerably smaller on land than their Turkish counterparts enjoying a significant qualitive advantage over them in training and material. Turkey growing overconfident after its victories in the in the 2^nd Aegean and the Kurdish- Armenian wars tried forcing Bulgaria by the threat of military action to stop giving support to Bulgarian partisans in the parts of Bulgaria occupied back in 2243 and the crisis quickly led to war. With the Greek navy and air force managing to deal severe blows on their Turkish counterparts in the early stages of the war, Greek forces were able to recapture Chios and Rhodes while the Greek and Bulgarian armies with Romanian and Serb aid took the offensive in Thrace capturing Adrianople and advancing to the outskirts of the Constantinople metroplex before Bavaria brokered a ceasefire and eventually a peace treaty re-establishing the pre 2243 borders.

The Serb-Croat border conflict (2278): A brief flare up between Serbia and Croatia in Bosnia in 2278, the conflict was more a series of border incidents, quickly put under control before they could escalate. Nevertheless Greek rapid response forces including the 2^nd paratrooper brigade did deploy in Serbia and saw some action before things could come under control.

Central Asian war (2282-2287): Despite French pressure as well as pressure inside the Aimos league, Greece was quite reluctant to enter a war so far from home. Still in the aftermath of attacks on Greek merchant shipping both in space and Earth as well as an attack on Aimos asteroid mining installations by Manchu raiders, Greece entered the war and send a division sized force as part of the Aimos expeditionary corps.

The intervention into Albania (2296): Rivalry between different factions of the Albanian communist party would lead to a coup and attacks by the xenophobe Hodjaist faction on foreign citizens in Tirana, Pristina and Duress. Greek, Italian, French and Serb rapid deployment units had to intervene and safely evacuate foreign nationals engaging some of the pro-Hodjaist units in doing so.

Kafer war (ongoing): The Greek space merchant marine has been extensively involved in moving supplies and troops to the colonies of the French arm while the HSF has seen some action against the Kafer on escort duties and way more in suppresing the surge of piracy the war has caused. The Greek army has a special composition expeditionary regiment as part of the Italian led European expeditionary division.

INDEX

Foreign Relations and off Earth commitments in 2300

Greece and Space

Greece is a modestly sized interstellar power. Together with several other European countries Greece had participated to the Garten colonization project on Tirane, gaining a lease that became the Nea Hellas enclave on Tirane. Greece has two more, much smaller enclaves Hyperboreia in Neubayern and Atlantis in Botany Bay. More recently Brazil decided to pass part or the whole of the largely Greek, Nova Ostia province on Tirane to Greece, the transfer being in progress and expected to be completed around 2310. This has been a largely unexpected boon to the country’s colonial effort as the Nova Ostia colony would be between 4 and 7 times larger in population compared to the Nea Hellas enclave. Greece and its Aimos league allies are currently looking at the possibility of establishing a joint colony, with negotiations taking place with Brazil and the United States in regards to Paulo and Avalon respectively.

The Greek army maintains forces of varying size on all enclaves in addition to a force in Nova Ostia.

The Aimos league: Starting as an alliance between Greece, Serbia and Romania the alliance expanded to include Bulgaria later in the 22^nd century. Nowdays there is also a considerable degree of economic and space cooperation between the 4 members.

America and Australia: Both countries had large Greek diaspora communities before the Twilight war that were strengthened by continuing immigration and expanded communications in the following three centuries. The American city of Boston is home to the patriarch of Constantinople after his expulsion from Turkey in the 21^st century. Relations are very friendly especially given the large amount of trade and tourism back and forth between Greece and the 2 Anglo-Saxon countries. The Australian and Greek space forces are quite more closely cooperating with the HSF participating in Australian space force exercises.

Albania: Greece, like Italy, is home to large numbers of Albanian immigrants, generally ones not particularly in favor of the communist regime back home. As long as the communists don’t stir any trouble beyond their borders both Athens and Rome are willing to let them alone but border incidents especially on the Albanian-Serb frontier happen from time to time and in 2296 Greek forces had to intervene alongside, French, Italian and Serb units to evacuate foreign civilians from Albania.

Arabia: Relations are cordial if only on the principle of the enemy of someone enemy being a friend but not particularly close.

Argentina: Relations are cordial, complicated only by the hostility between Argentina and Brazil and the United Kingdom with both of whom Greece maintains closer ties. The transfer of Nova Ostia could complicate the Greek diplomatic position as it is opposite Islas Malvidas were the Argentine colony of Santa Maria lies.

Brazil: Relations are friendly especially in view of the close ties between the Greek and Brazilian space efforts. While on Earth the two militaries don't find themselves often cooperating the same isn't the case on Tirane.

Britain: Greece maintains friendly ties with Britain since independence in the 19^th century. For the past three centuries Greece has tried to use Britain as a counterweight against excessive French influence keeping closer ties with London than Paris.

Bulgaria: A cobelligerent during WW3 the two countries found themselves at odds afterwards and again becoming allies with the first resurgence of the Turkish threat in the mid 22^nd century and the subsequent entry of Bulgaria in the Aimos league.

Confederation of Palestine: Relations can be best described as strained between the Confederation and Greece. While neither of the two countries is particularly eager to be hostile to the other memories of the Twilight war and the Confederation's alliance with Turkey are taking their toll. Still military confrontation is deliberately kept on low levels as evidenced in the wars of 2243 and 2274.

France: Relations are delicate. Greece has been a close and loyal French ally as recently evidenced by participation in the Central Asian and Kafer wars. Yet Greece is careful in balancing French influence and isn't always happy with the periodic bounds of French instability and hegemonism.

Germany: Relations aren't particularly warm in the wake of the German unification and the close relations of Greece with France and Freihafen, or for that matter traditionally close German relations with Turkey, but are improving especially in the wake of the Kafer war.

Italy: Having come to the aid of Greece when attacked in WW3 Greeks still feel a moral debt towards Italy. Relations are warm between the two countries and Greek and Italian armed forces often find themselves jointly training and on occasion operating together in international or over Albania. Industrial cooperation is also quite notable with the Da Vinci- Daedalus Aerospace Typhon fighter being the most notable recent example.

Poland and Czechoslovakia: Aimos league relations with the Polish-Czech alliance are generally good and Czech arms industry products often find their way to Aimos league armies including Greece. In the past 5 centuries Greek and Polish forces found themselves fighting side by side more than once the most recent examples being in Central Asia.

Romania: The two countries are allied as part of the Aimos league and closely cooperating economically. Military wise the main external threat for Romania is considered Hungary and Romanian participation to the Aegean wars while important was peripheral, not differently from Greek participation in the Bosnian wars.

Russia: A traditional friend of Greece, military cooperation between the two countries most of the time concentrates in the Caucasus and intelligence gathering. Greece is using a fair amount of Russian systems often as part of indigenous designs

Serbia: Traditionally allied since the early 20^th century and with contacts going back a century more the two countries found themselves as rather unwilling opponents during WW3 and again on the same side afterwards. Today Greece and Serbia share a concern over Albania. Not unlike Romania though Serb involvement in the Aegean wars and Greek involvement in the Bosnian wars were relatively peripheral concerns for both militaries.

Turkey: While traditionally thought as "the Enemy" especially among less well informed foreign observers Greece and Turkey seem to be following a pendulum with decade long periods of peace and often cooperation followed by periods of intense antagonism. The unfortunate truth is the periods of antagonism always seem to come, perhaps not unexpectedly given the often conflicting geopolitical interests of the two countries and since the late 2230s the two countries are into a period of intense rivalry. Things might be changing with the appearance of the Kafer but it's too early to tell and both militaries still consider their counterparts in the wrong side of the Aegean as the most probable rival.

United Arab Republic: Relations with Egypt and Lybya during the 20^th century were cordial and so are relations with the UAR. UAR has kept carefully neutral in the conflict between Turkey and Greece, if slightly favoring Greece given the Turkish alliance with the Confederation and has a steady amount of trade with Greece importing electronics and marine systems from it.

INDEX

DEFENCE ISSUES

Despite the recent improvement in relations, Turkey is still deemed the major external threat for Greece in view of the 2 wars fought in the past 60 years, bad relations between Turkey and Bulgaria and the often conflicting geopolitical interests of the two countries. To the extend that the Confederation of Palestine gets itself involved in the Greco-Turkish conflict Greece considers it as part of the Turkish threat especially when considering the military balance in the air and sea.

Albania while not strictly a defence issue, given its internal state of affairs, is considered a security issue and the Greek army is prepared to deploy forces in support of the gendarmerie and Territorial Army or even to intervene into Albania should the need arise as in 2296.

Greece has also a military commitment through the Aimos Union to Romania and Serbia should they find themselves again in conflict either with Hungary or Croatia.

INDEX

ORGANIZATION

The current organization of the Greek army is largely a result of its restructuring in the aftermath of the 2^nd Aegean war with additional changes to incorporate lessons from the 3^rd Aegean war and the Central Asian war. The Greek army was facing the not so unique problem of its expected rival having a considerably larger population and therefore also a considerably larger army and the more unique problem of having to conduct operations in the Aegean. Currently the Aegean and Thrace are viewed to form a single battlefield given the abilities of modern hovermobile forces. The army is intended to engage in mobile operations with the light infantry formations of the territorial army geared towards forming strongholds in urban centres and the islands and operating as "stay behind" forces.

The army is organized in 3 corps and an independent division. Of these B corps is intended as a rapid reaction force, D corps is responsible for the defence of the Aegean and Thrace and A corps forms a strategic reserve. The independent I division is responsible for the defence of Cyprus. Out of a total of 7 divisions 2 are the operational headquarters of the army’s amphibious and commando formations. The remaining 5 heavy divisions technically consist of 2 armored and 3 mechanized formations but in practice the all 5 are using the same basic structure differing in their use of either hover or tracked vehicles. Generally the armoured divisions are using hover vehicles and the mechanized ones tracked vehicles, with the I infantry division being a partial exception to the rule as one of her 3 brigades is operating hover vehicles.

The Greek army is using universal military service in addition to a very heavy element of volunteer personnel and its mobilization system is based on this. Reminding of the Argentine one, which was one of the models the Greeks studied after the 2^nd Aegean war, the Greek army has decided on a relatively small number of more powerful divisions with battle casualty reserves ranging between 50 and 100% counting upon the formation in question. The heavy divisions all consist of 2 active and 1 reserve brigade each. The commando and marine divisions have one reserve formation each in addition to 1 reserve paratrooper battalion and 1 reserve amphibious commando battalion respectively.

On the brigade level for the heavy divisions the army is following the model similar to that of Germany using square brigades of 2 armored and 2 infantry battalions each. The battalions are largely peacetime administrative formations. In operations each brigade would form 4 kampfgruppe by moving companies between the battalions.

On the battalion level, infantry battalions consist of 4 companies of 14 IFV each in addition to a headquarters company with 2 more IFVs and a heavy weapons company including 4 120 mm self propelled mortars. Armor battalions have 4 squadrons of 14 tanks each. Artillery battalions consist of 3 batteries of 6 artillery pieces each. ADA battalions of 4 batteries of 4 launchers each.

INDEX

DIVISIONS AND OTHER NOTABLE UNITS 

I Merarchia Pezikou.

The oldest of the Greek formations the division would get the nickname of the "iron division" during WW2 for her part in routing the Julia alpine division early in the war and her successful defence of Height 731 against overwhelming odds during the Italian spring offensive in 1941. Post the 3^rd world war the division was merged with the Cypriot I division and is currently responsible for the defence of Cyprus with one of her active brigades using hover vehicles to allow littoral operations.

II Merarchia Pezikou.

Dating back to the 19^th century the division has seen battle in all the wars Greece has found itself post independence. Nowdays based in Eastern Macedonia the division is a formation using tracked vehicles and part of A corps, the army’s strategic reserve. In case of operations against Turkey it would most probably deploy for operations in Thrace.

III Merarxia Katadromon

First seeing action during the 1^st Balkan war in 1912 since the mid 20^th century, the III division has been the formation that oversees the Greek commando units. Currently the division is part of B corps and consists exclusively of volunteers. Recruits to the division that successfully pass the Commando forces basic training have then to go through the Greek mountain and special warfare schools before joining the divisional units.

V Merarchia Pezonauton

Traditionally the "Cretan division" from its original recruiting grounds the division was transported to Cyprus during WW3 and played a major role in the defence of the Olympus line in the second phase of the war. With the expansion and reorganization of Greek Marine forces in the aftermath of the 2^nd Aegean war the division was turned into the marine forces operational command, being given control of the 13^th amphibious commando brigade, and the marine brigades. The formation exclusively consists of volunteers. In case of operations against Turkey it would be expected to conduct operations in the Aegean and in support of Cyprus.

XII Merarchia Pezikou

The division is responsible for the defence of Thrace as part of the D corps a role it also played during the 3^rd world war. Currently the division is operating tracked vehicles as these are deemed to be better suited for the Greek terrain. Against the Turkish army the division would be linking with the Bulgarian army to the north and Merarchia Ippikou to the south.

XX Tethorakismeni Merarxia

The only Greek division established after WW2, the division first saw action during WW3 and was again re-established again in the 21^st century, seeing action in nearly all conflicts involving Greece afterwards. Nowdays the division is a hovermobile formation and part of the Army’s strategic reserve. In case of operations against Turkey the division could find itself operating both in Thrace and the Aegean counting on the course of operations.

Merarxia Ippikou

The other major hovermobile formation of the Greek army the division is responsible for the defence of the Aegean as part of D corps. The division first saw action in WW1 and then the Asia Minor war and WW2 but only in the final phase of WW3 as with the introduction of armor the division had not been established after WW2. After WW3 the division has been constantly in service first as a cavalry and then as an armoured unit.

Ieros Lochos (sacred band)

The fifth unit with that name in Greek history following the Theban and Greek revolutionary units the modern unit was first established as part of the Greek army in exile in 1942 being one of the world's first commando units and seeing extensive service in North Africa and the Aegean during the Second World War, together with British units of the same kind. Temporarily disbanded after the war its personnel would form the core of the Greek Special Forces by 1947 and the unit was reestablished as an amphibious commando formation just before WW3. In the 3 centuries afterwards the sacred band took part in every conflict Greece found itself involved. Today the sacred band together with ETA forms part of the army contribution to the Greek special operations forces command with a role similar to that of the British SBS with which it often trains together.

1 Taxiarchia Katadromon

First creating commando units in 1947 from the initial cadre of Sacred Band personnel, brigade was the first major commando unit of the army seeing widespread action during the 3^rd world war. Modern Greek commando units are specializing in direct action missions as well as mountain warfare with strategic reconnaissance being primarily conducted by the Special Operations Forces command.

2 Taxiarchia Alexiptotiston

Greek paratroopers have been used in the paracommando role since their formation and the practice continues to this date. Recruits completing successfully the mountain and special warfare schools can then volunteer for jump school. The brigade tends to draw the best among the commando division.

Technically ETA, is also part of the brigade and going through the paratrooper school is one of the qualifications for it. But the unit’s main task is infiltration and counter- infiltration operations of all kinds both in peace and wartime in close cooperation with the 100^th intelligence regiment and the Greek secret service. At such it has found itself often facing elements of the CPDF 822^nd Recce battalion and the Turkish OKK even in peacetime.

III Oreini Taxiachia

Formed during WW2 as a mountain formation the brigade would get nicknamed the "Rimini Brigade" for the capture of Rimini during the Italian campaign and then fight as a mechanized formation during the 3^rd world war. The 3 commando squadrons of the brigade trace their lineage to the Cypriot National guard.

13 Taxiarchia Amphibion Katadromon

A commando formation belonging to the V marine division, the brigade is specializing in littoral special operations either independently or in support of the division’s marine brigades. The sacred band technically is part of the brigade.

INDEX

PERSONNEL AND RANK STRUCTURE

The Greek army is a mixed force of regulars and conscripts with the regulars making up over two thirds of the army in peacetime. Civic service is universal for all Greek citizens at the end of higher education with potential recruits being able to select between active army, territorial forces and civilian service. Only around 10-12% of each yearly class ends in the army and usually the army has more volunteers that it requires to maintain its force structure. Regular soldiers are recruited from soldiers that have completed service first.

Military service is a minimum 2 years, including 6 months of basic training. After it reservists follow 4 weeks refresher training every year till the age of 40 when they are released from the reserves.

Noncoms come either from SMY (Scholi Monimon Ypaksiomatikon) , the army noncom academy or through LYB (Lochoi Ypopsifion Bathmoforon, Noncom Candidate Companies) in the case of conscripts and volunteers. SMY graduates become sergeants and may rise up to warrant officer in the ranks. Successful LYB graduates counting on their performance become either corporals or sergeants. Reservists counting on performance may rise up to staff sergeant while in the reserves. Regulars can rise up to sereant major. Conscript NCOs have to serve an additional 6 months in the ranks.

Officers are either graduates of the "Scholi Euelpidon" the Greek military academy, or warrant officers that successfully enter and complete OCS school or reserve officers. For the latter the army maintains a ROTC program in cooperation with Greek universities. ROTC graduates may then join OCS when they enter the army. If they successfully complete OCS, something not at all guaranteed, they become DEA (Dokimoi Efedroi axiomatikoi) for 12 months at which time they are promoted to the rank of 2^nd lieutenant.

At the end of their 36 months national service the can either volunteer for permanent service, in which case the may rise up to lt. colonel sans wartime promotions, or join the reserves were they may rise up to major again sans wartime promotions.

Greek army rank structure
Greek Rank	Translation in English
Strategos	General
Antistrategos	Major General
Ypostrategos	Lt General
Taxiarxos	Brigadier General
Syntagmatarchis	Colonel
Antisyntagmatarchis	Lt Colonel
Tagmatarchis	Major
Lochagos	Captain
Ypolochagos	Lieutenant
Anthypolochagos	Second Lieutenant
Dokimos Efedros Aksiomatikos (DEA)	Probationary reserve officer
Anthypaspistis	Warrant officer
Archilochias	Sergeant Major
Epilochias	Staff Sergeant
Lochias	Sergeant
Dekaneas	Corporal
Ypodekaneas	PFC
Oplitis	Private

NOTES

Compared to the original army OOB the current one represents a decrease from 38 manoeuvre brigades and 119 battalions to 23 brigades (16 active and 7 reserve) and 89 battalions. Or if we discount commando units the decrease is from 45 armored battalions and 57 infantry battalions to 33 armored and 39 infantry battalions. Taking into account that the new battalions are 4 as opposed to 3 company strong the updated organization leaves forces with slightly lower firepower but as part of a quite more robust organization. And between the lines a German influence, by way of Bavaria, is assumed on how the Greek army got organized after the 2^nd Aegean war. The Cataphract MBT has been designed using the GURPS system.

INDEX

EQUIPMENT

Tanks

The Greek army is operating a mix of tracked and hover armoured fighting vehicles. Currently AC-12G and the Cataphract tracked MBT, a modern Greek design, are replacing the older AC-8 and Löwe in service.

Type: Cataphract Main Battle Tank

Crew: 2

Combat Weight: 60.29 tons

Armor: Front: 150,Top 150, Sides 60, Bottom and track skirts 20, Rear 60

Armament: Turret with 1x 65mm Mass Driver Cannon (100 rounds, +4 fire control), 1 30mm gatling AGL (1000 rounds) 4 Kinzhal Missile Launchers with 6 missiles each carried internally, 1 7.5 mm MG with 10000 rounds.

Max Speed, Road: 129 kph

Max Speed, Off Road: 105 kph

Sensor Range: 16 km (+3)

Power Plant: 2.4 MW MHD Turbine, 2400 kWh rechargeable power cell

Fuel Capacity: 658 kg of hydrogen

Fuel Consumption: 55 kg per hour

Endurance: 12 hours

Cargo: 250 kg

The AC-12G is a export variant of the French hovertank built under license in Greece. The main differences lie in the weapons suite as the Greek hovertanks carry the same armament with the Cataphract MBT.

IFVs

Currently the Timoleon and Templer IFVs are replacing the older ACVI-3 Bessieres HAPC and the Iphicrates APC. The Timoleon was developed in parallel with the Cataphract using the same basic vehicle and combining weaponry from the Templer and the Cataphract.

Type: Timoleon tracked IFV

Crew: 2

Combat Weight: 56.9 tons

Armor: Front: 100,Top 100, Sides 40, Bottom and track skirts 20, Rear 40

Armament: 1 0.75Mj Plasma Gun, 1 30mm gatling AGL (1000 rounds) 2 Kinzhal Missile Launchers with 6 missiles each carried internally, 1 7.5 mm MG with 10000 rounds.

Sensor Range: 16km (+3)

Power Plant: 2.4 MW MHD Turbine, 2400 kWh rechargeable power cell

Fuel Capacity: 658 kg of hydrogen

Fuel Consumption: 55 kg per hour

Endurance: 12 hours

Cargo: 1000kg + 8 Passengers

Reconnaissance vehicles

Greece is one of the many countries to have imported the ACR-89 Lannes for the reconnaissance role.

Infantry weapons

The standard Greek army rifle is the French FAM-90 built under license in Greece. Greek special operation forces as well as the marine and commando formations are using the FAM-90S version while the FAM-180 SAW is used in the squad support role.

Heavy Infantry weapons

The 7.5 mm M-75 designed and produced by the Hellenic arms corporation (EBO) is the standard Greek army machine gun arming both active and reserve formations. The Kragui P-92 a Serb derivative of the German M-6 roughly comparable to the British L-92 is the standard plasma rifle. Greece is using the British Green Hunter and the American FIM-100 Cottonmouth missiles in the light antitank and anti-air defence respectively. The infantry is using the E-80 mortar, a Greek derivative of a Bavarian design with the E-120 self propelled mortar arming the heavy weapons companies.

Artillery

The artillery battalions of the brigades are using the H-90 150mm howitzer either in the PzH-90 or the LkPzH-90 variety counting on the chassis being used. H-90 has been a modern EM design entering service with Bavaria in 2290. Not in service with the German forces that went for an ex Hanoverian design it is built under licence and used by the Aimos countries and Italy.

Divisional rocket artillery battalions are using the Ares I 150mm MRL. The artillery brigades have a single battalion of heavy 220 mm howitzers and 3 battalions of Ares II 250mm MRL. The latter can be also used to launch the Echidna (viper) tactical missile.

ADA battalions are using the Aspis system as the Italian Aspide AA system is known in Greek service.

Combat walkers

Greece is using a not inconsiderable number of BH-21 combat walkers, with one walker company per heavy brigade.

INDEX

Appendix A. Heavy division Organization

Heavy division

HQ company

Signal Battalion

ADA Battalion

4 ADA batteries (4 Aspis AA each)

Artillery Battalion

3 batteries (6 Ares I MRL each)

MI battalion

Recon company (12 ACR-89 Lannes)

MP Company

Reconnaissance Company

3 Heavy brigades, each

HQ company

2 Armor Battalions, each

HQ squadron (2 AFV)

4 tank squadrons (14 AFV each)

Heavy weapons squadron (4 E-120 mortars)

2 Infantry Battalions, each

HQ Company (2 IFV)

4 infantry companies (14 IFV each)

Heavy weapons company (4 E-120 mortars)

Artillery Battalion

3 batteries (6 PzH-90 or LPzH-90 each)

Engineer Battalion

Combat Walker Company

4 CW platoons (12 BH-21 each)

Support Battalion

Signal Company

Reconnaissance Company (12 ACR-89 Lannes)

INDEX

Appendix B. Unit Names

With the exception of the commando and marine units the Greek army standardized battalion numbers after the second Aegean war. While no official names have been ever given to the divisions names were given to the brigades, usually deriving to events from the history of the brigades. The double numbered units maintain the numbering of the old Euzone regiments of the Greek army.

1 Taxiarchia Katadromon "Kresna"	Named for the surprise capture and subsequent defence of the Kresna pass by the brigade during the 3^rd Balkan war in 2052.
2 Taxiarchia Alexiptotiston "Samos"	Named after the successful defence of the island during the 2^nd Aegean war, largely due to the efforts of the brigade,
III Oreini Taxiarchia "Rimini"	Named after the capture of Rimini by the brigade during the 2^nd world war.
5/42 Taxiarchia Katadromon "Nikolaos Plastiras"	Named after the soldier and politician of the 20^th century who commanded the 5/42 Euzone regiment in the Asia Minor war.
13 Taxiarchia Amphibion Katadromon "Dodekanesos"	Named after the group of Aegean islands where Greek amphibious commandos repeatedly fought since World War 2 and played a major role liberating during the 3^rd Aegean war.
32 Taxiarchia Pezonauton "Erythraia"	Named after the capture of the Erythraia peninsula by amphibious forces spearheaded by the brigade during the 1^st Aegean war.
29 Taxiarchia Pezonauton "Lesvos"	Named after the retaking of the island by amphibious forces spearheaded by the brigade during the 2^nd Aegean war
1/38 Taxiarchia Pezonauton "Bizani"	Named after the battle of Bizani in the 1^st Balkan war or 1912-13
XXI Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Rhodope"	Named after the battles that checked the Turkish drive west during the 2^nd Aegean war.
XXV Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Petros Theodorou"	Named the last commander of the brigade during the 3^rd World War and one of the major figures in the post war reunification effort.
XXIII Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Lissa"	Named after the capture of the island by Grrek hovermobile forces in the 3^rd Bosnian war.
34 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Apospasma Dialeti"	Named after the battlegroup consisting of the 34^th Infantry regiment and an artillery battery that successfully held back 3 Turkish divisions for 2 days in the battle of Tumlu Bunar in March 1921.
7 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Sarantaporos"	Named after the battle of the 1^st Balkan war.
33 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Strymon"	Named after the battle of the 3^rd Balkan war
2 Taxiarchia Ippikou "Ephessos"	Named after operations in the Asia Minor war
3 Taxiarchia Ippikou "Dorylaion"	Named after the battle of the Asia Minor war
XXII Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Ypsala"	Named after the battle and capture of the town during the Greek offensive into Eastern Thrace in spring 1997.
30 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Adrianoupolis"	Named after the battles and capture of Adrianople in WW3 and again the 1^st and 3^rd Aegean wars.
37 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Xarkovo"	Named after the battle of Kharkov during the Russo-Ukrainian war.
31 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Digenis"	Named after the semi mythical hero of Greek medieval poetry.
XX Tethorakismeni Taxiarchia "Nikosia"	Named after the victory of the brigade against the 14^th Turkish armored brigade in the first phase of the battle for Nikosia in 1997.
IV Taxiarchia Pezikou "ELDYK"	Named after Hellenic force Cypus who during the 3^rd world war held Nicosia together with the Cypriot IV brigade before retreating to Olympus.
50 Taxiarchia Pezikou "Grigoris Auxentiou"	Named after the hero of the Cypriot struggle for independence in the 1950s

INDEX

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30/04/06

Copyright 2006, Demetrios Rammos

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