Artillery
Artillery supports the manoeuvres of the Infantry and the Armour, which, with their strong impact, shaped the Art of War.
The first Artillery detachments appeared at the beginning of the Revolution for the Nation’s Rebirth. Dimitrios Ypsilantis, in July 1821, formed in Kalamata a regular Corps, equal in strength to half a Battalion, supported by two light guns, Commanded by the French Philhellene Voutier. The Gunners of the time were called “Πυροβολιστές” or “Αρτιλλιέροι”, while in May 1825 the first independent Artillery Unit was established, consisting of a Gunners Company of 100 men, with 4 guns of 4 pounds.
Upon the arrival of Kapodistrias in the country, efforts for the reorganisation of the Regular Army, and consequently of the Artillery, began immediately. With the decree of 17 August 1828, the first Gunners Battalion was established, headquartered in Nafplio.
The Greek Artillery draws strength from its historic past and its great contribution to the struggles of the Nation, it is constantly evolving, incorporating state-of-the-art capabilities, of enhanced accuracy, range and effectiveness, providing at the same time all the guarantees that in the future, decisively surpassing every obstacle and predicament that may arise, with constant training and exercise, will continue to implement its maxim “ΙΣΧΥΣ ΔΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΓΝΩΣΕΩΣ” (strength through knowledge).
The Artillery emblem
The “Black” colour on the emblem of the Artillery was instituted in 1914, with the change of the colour of the patches on the uniforms, since from 1908 the “Rubia” colour was used, which was not distinguished from that of the Infantry. The modern emblem of the Artillery was instituted in 1968, replacing the hand grenade with a rising flame. It is a complex emblem with the written maxim “ΙΣΧΥΣ ΔΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΓΝΩΣΕΩΣ” (strength through knowledge) and it consists of two guns which represent the Field Artillery and a missile representing the Anti-aircraft Artillery. The emblem does not constitute a simple symbolism, but it is directly related to the work and mission of the Artillery, since Strength constitutes a basic factor of impact on the fight’s development and it is acquired through the required knowledge, study and exercise.
Our Mission
The Artillery (Field and Anti-aircraft) is the main weapon of support fire. Its mission during the fight pertains to the provision of constant and timely fire support to the manoeuvring forces for the immediate annihilation or neutralisation of those targets, which put the fulfilment of their mission at risk.
Characteristics
The Greek Artillery is the Arm based on technology as well as tradition. It is the Arm which is never in “Reserve”, since the fight always commences and is concluded, with the use of the Artillery. Its main characteristics are agility, cohesion and the ability to fight for a long time, day and night, in whatever tactical situation it is called to face. The Artillery fulfils its role as a main Arm of Support Fires through movement, communication and fires, aiming for the annihilation or neutralisation of the enemy on land, at sea and in the air, the bending of the enemy’s will to fight and by providing depth and remoteness in the battlefield.