Armour
The Modern Greek Cavalry was established in 1822 and it was distinguished into Heavy and Light. In 1825, the Cavalry Corps was established, based in Athens and consisting of three Squadrons, one of Lancers, one of Riflemen and one of Horseless Soldiers, each being eighty men strong During its participation in various wars, the cavalry was characterised by offensive spirit and distinguished for its impetuosity, while its action was remarkable in all the battles where it operated.
On 7 March 1945, the 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment was established, which essentially was the first Unit of the Cavalry-Armour Arm. The Cavalry-Armour Arm was officially established on 21 February 1946. In May 1946, the first 52 “KENTAVROS” type tanks were received by the Hellenic Army.
The Cavalry, on horse or on foot, always operated with its integrated characteristic capabilities, the swiftness, the impetuosity and the element of surprise, without ever being defeated in the Balkan Wars and then it greatly contributed to the achievements of the Greek Arms in all the Nation’s struggles.
Today the Armour Corps, with its swift evolution after the war, constitutes the “spearhead” of the Hellenic Army and a basic deterrence factor against any hostile intention and a factor for the securing of the National Sovereignty.
The Armour emblem
The emblem consists of sabres placed crosswise with the horseshoe and the main battle tank, in combination with the written moral command “ΟΠΟΥ Η ΔΟΞΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΟ ΚΑΘΗΚΟΝ” (where glory lies, duty lies too).
The crosswise sabres with the horseshoe are a reference to the cavalry, which was manoeuvring on horseback and it was fighting on horseback and on foot.
The main battle tank constitutes the main weapon of the armour, which is a symbol of fire and strike, as successor to the cavalry.
the assets available each time, by those who have developed their moral strengths to the full and have the necessary knowledge and experience, through training and exercise. Duty is the selfless contribution of services to the homeland, without taking into account the toil and the time required. It is consolidated with the complete devotion and self-denial and conscientious contribution in services.
Our Mission
The mission of the Armour Units is to approach the enemy and annihilate them with the use of fire and manoeuvre, causing a psychological effect, or to push back the attacking enemy with fire and counter-attack, in cooperation with other Arms.
Characteristics
The main characteristics of Armour are agility, fire-power, armoured protection, nimbleness and the psychological effect they have on the enemy personnel.