On Wednesday, 28 March 2018, the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Alkiviadis Stefanis, visited the Armour School in Avlonas, Attica, where he observed the training initiative “Col (Armour) Andreas Simos” performed by 2nd Lieutenants (Arm) of Class 2017 of the Hellenic Military Academy.

This training initiative aimed at preparing new Armour 2nd Lieutenants to identify the appropriate, but mostly the mistaken, actions-decisions possibly taken by Armour Leaders, through experiential practice.

It is named after the late Commander of the Armour School Col (Armour) Andreas Simos, who had set the foundations for the performance of this training, as a sign of recognition of the inventiveness, the forward-thinking and the open mind which characterised him.

Among other things, the training included rock drill (a method of practical training), a valuable training tool and an excellent “preparation for real conditions”.

When the training was completed, the Chief congratulated the School on the excellent organisation of the conducted exercise and underlined the following:

- The entire personnel should practice on facing friction incidents at the battlefield.

- At the decision-making process, the personnel should learn how to manage and effectively prioritise incoming intelligence.

- Self-confidence is imperative and completely different from selfishness and lack of team spirit.

- The element of “luck” follows people who work hard.

- Continuous tests and practical training are vital before any operational plan.

- The necessary time and hard effort should be spent by young officers for their improvement at all levels, since they are the hope for the future.