Northern Meriç region selected for new special operations reserve unit
The northern part of the Meriç (Evros) region has been included in Greece’s plans to establish one of three new Special Operations Units as part of the country’s “Agenda 2030” defense reform and the new force structure planning.
The relevant ministerial decisions were signed on July 29 by Greece’s Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias. Two of the three newly established units will consist entirely of military reservists, according to the Ministry of National Defence.
The other two Special Operations Units will be based in Attica and Central Macedonia.
According to the ministry, the creation of the new units aims to address long-standing issues concerning the reserve system, particularly the limited utilization of Special Forces reservists. Despite receiving advanced combat training, many reservists have remained inactive and without a designated operational assignment after completing their military service.
The ministry stated that the new structure will allow Special Forces reservists to be assigned in advance to specific units, with clear information about their missions and responsibilities.
The initiative is part of a broader reform of Greece’s reserve forces. Training and retraining centers have already been established in Avlona, Attica, and Litochoro, Pieria.
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said reservists represent a link between the armed forces and Greek society, describing them as a key element of the country’s defense readiness.
