Enhancing Multinational Military Cooperation and Cultural Competence through Official Study Visit
In order to enhance professional growth and military cooperation among SEEBRIG personnel, as well as fostering a deeper appreciation of the rich historical and cultural heritage of the SEEBRIG member countries SEEBRIG in its Annual Plan for 2025 proposed the organisation of a Study Trip within one of its member states between June 30th and July 4th.
The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Greece has officially accepted to host the event, underscoring its commitment to regional defence cooperation and mutual understanding among member countries. The Hellenic authorities have prepared a comprehensive and enriching program for SEEBRIG HQ staff members and their families, that includes between June 30th and July 4th to visits to key military installations, as well as excursions to culturally and historically significant sites in Athens. This initiative not only fosters professional military exchange but also promotes deeper appreciation of the host nation’s heritage within the SEEBRIG framework.
Strengthening Military Bonds: Visit to the Hellenic Army military installations
One of the primary goals of the Study Trip was to increase professional knowledge. In this context, SEEBRIG delegation visited the three Hellenic Army’s installations.
Engineer School in Loutraki was the first visit of the military installations. This leg of the visit was marked by warm hospitality and high-level engagements. The team was cordially welcomed by Brigadier General Georgios Malavetas, Director of Engineers at the Hellenic Army General Staff (HAGS); Colonel Ioannis Pappas, Commander of the Engineer School; and Lieutenant Colonel Ioannis Chasapopoulos, Deputy Commander.
Founded in 1885, the Engineer School remains a cornerstone institution for the training and advancement of military engineering capabilities within the Hellenic Armed Forces. During the visit, the SEEBRIG personnel were provided with an in-depth presentation outlining the school’s historical evolution, core mission areas, and cutting-edge training programs. Two dynamic live demonstrations followed, showcasing the school’s high level of operational readiness, particularly in executing complex rescue missions and disaster relief operations. These exercises highlighted the professionalism and preparedness of the Hellenic military engineers and underscored the importance of technical expertise in contemporary defence and humanitarian operations.
Furthermore, SEEBRIG staff members visited the Hellenic Special Forces and they were hosted by BG Christos Spanidis, Director of Special Forces to the Hellenic Army General Staff (HAGS), MAJ Lambros Petropoulos, Director of G3, and COL Andreas Mouzopoulos, Commander of the Special Forces Training Center. During the visit the team from the Special Forces Training Center conducted a live demonstration of an ambush scenario, showcasing their operational precision, tactical coordination, and rapid response capabilities. The demonstration highlighted the high level of combat readiness maintained by the Hellenic Special Forces and offered SEEBRIG personnel a valuable opportunity to observe advanced asymmetric warfare techniques in a controlled training environment.
In addition, the SEEBRIG delegation toured the Combat Diver School, which operates as an integral part of the training center. Here, they were introduced to the specialised technique of underwater navigation—a critical skill for enhancing stealth and mobility in amphibious operations. This exposure provided insight into the rigorous training methods employed to prepare personnel for complex operational environments.
As part of the ongoing study trip, SEEBRIG personnel had the opportunity to visit the 2nd Military Complex Army Aviation in Megara, where they were received by Brigadier General Paschalis Goutsidis, Director of Army Aviation at HAGS, and Colonel Thomas Papaspyrou, Commander of the 2nd Army Aviation Group.
During this segment, they received an in-depth briefing on the aviation school’s mission, operational capabilities, and advanced training infrastructure. In addition to the comprehensive presentation, participants were afforded the opportunity to observe and become acquainted with select modern aviation equipment. This final visit further exemplified the high standards, professionalism, and strategic readiness demonstrated by the Hellenic Armed Forces.
This engagement highlighted the robust cooperation between SEEBRIG HQ and the Hellenic military establishment and reaffirmed the commitment to fostering interoperability and mutual understanding among SEEBRIG member nations.
The SEEBRIG delegation was met with generous hospitality. On behalf of SEEBRIG HQ, Brigadier General Bitri expressed his sincere gratitude to Helenic Army and his staff for their hospitality and extended his best wishes for their continued success. Those visits reinforced the spirit of partnership and mutual respect between SEEBRIG and the Hellenic Army.
Deepening Historical Awareness
The educational component of the Study Trip includes the visits of the most prestigious cultural institutions: the Parthenon on the Acropolis – a historical landmark and an enduring symbol of ancient classical architecture and art and the museums in Athens. These visits offered SEEBRIG personnel and their families a deeper understanding of Greece’s military and cultural heritage. Considered a pinnacle of human architectural achievement and a symbol of ancient Greece, this experience offered an extraordinary chance for cultural immersion in antiquity and meaningful intellectual reflection.
At the Museums, attendees explored a vast collection of historical artifacts, weaponry, and strategic documents that chronicle the evolution of warfare and military strategy throughout Greek history. This visit served as a bridge between past and present, offering valuable insights into the development of military thought and the sacrifices made in defence of national sovereignty.
The subsequent visit to the Benaki Museum allowed the SEEBRIG family to engage with Greece’s broader cultural legacy. Museum visits also provided an opportunity to learn about the broader cultural heritage of Greece. Spanning from antiquity to the modern era, the museum’s diverse exhibitions illuminated the profound contributions of Greek civilisation to art, culture, and national identity. Together, these experiences enriched participants’ cultural awareness and fostered a deeper appreciation of the historical forces that shape regional and global dynamics.
Overall, Study Trip to Greece was a remarkable convergence of cultural discovery, as well as enhancing the professional knowledge. From the timeless grandeur of the Parthenon to the state-of-the-art training facilities of the Hellenic Army, each visit reinforced SEEBRIG’s core values of cooperation, shared knowledge, and respect for cultural heritage.
Profound thanks are extended to the Hellenic Army General Staff and all host institutions for their unwavering support and exceptional hospitality. These engagements not only enhanced the educational value of the Study Trip but also strengthened the bonds of camaraderie and professional solidarity across SEEBRIG member states — a true testament to the enduring strength and unity of the SEEBRIG family.
