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DEMONAX Training Event on Host Nation Support (HNS) Services

By project DEMONAX staffPublished on

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection of Greece (GSCP) recently conducted a comprehensive 3-day training event in Athens, Greece, within the context of the UCPM ΔΗΜΩΝΑΞ / DEMONAX - Cyprus Earthquake Full-Scale Exercise. The event was entitled: 'The Role of the Liaison Officer for Foreign Missions (L.O.F.M.) and Administrative Liaisons (A.L.) in the Hellenic Fire Service'

EarthquakeTsunami

The DEMONAX HNS Training Event took place between the 6th and the 8th of October 2025. Its primary target audience was a Cyprus Civil Defence Team, headed by the DEMONAX FSX Project Manager Mr. Panayiotis Liassides. 

The members of the Cyprus team who attended the training will be responsible for the provision of the Host Nation Support services during the implementation of the DEMONAX Full Scale Exercise. Representatives from European University Cyprus / CERIDES (Center of Excellence in Risk and Decision Sciences) also attended the event. 

Event Presentation
Presentation by Mr Vasileios Bikas, Training Event Organiser, Fire Lieutenant Colonel of Hellenic Fire Brigade

During the 1st Day of the HNS Training Event the following lectures were delivered:

  • The History of Liaison & Support Officers in Greece - Fire Lt. Colonel Vasileios BIKAS, Hellenic Fire Corps
  • National Civil Protection Structure. National Emergency Plan for Forest Fires / National Forest Fire Risk Map - Dr. Andreas ANTONAKOS, GSCP
  • Introduction to the European Mechanism / Activation of the UCPM Host Nation Support - Eirini KRAMPI, Sofia SOULTANIDOU, GSCP
  • Structure and Operation of the Hellenic Fire Corps - Fire Lt. Colonel Vasileios BIKAS, Hellenic Fire Corps
  • Wildfire Response Tactics or Forest Firefighting Tactics - Fire Cpt. Vasileios KARAMANLIS, Hellenic Fire Corps
  • Specialized Wildfire Response Units or Specialized Forest Firefighting Units - Col. Ioannis KOLOVOS, Hellenic Fire Corps
  • Media Management & Communication (Theory & Practice) - Fire Lt. Colonel Vasileios VATHRAKOGIANNIS, Hellenic Fire Corps
Trainees
Trainers and Trainees of the HNS Event

During the 2nd Day of the HNS Training Event the following lectures were delivered:

  • The Importance of Cultural Awareness - Fire Lt. Colonel Vasileios BIKAS, Hellenic Fire Corps
  • Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems. The Influence of Fires on the Development and Succession of vegetation - Fire Lt. Colonel Vasileios BIKAS, Hellenic Fire Corps
  • National Crisis Management Coordination Center - Fire Colonel Zisoula DASIOU, Hellenic Fire Corps
  • Liaison Officers and Support Officers: Role and Responsibilities - Fire Lt. Colonel Vasileios BIKAS, Hellenic Fire Corps
  • The Role of Liaison Officers at Operational Air Bases - Nikolaos PAPADELIS, Major, Hellenic Air Force
  • Indicative Behavioral Guidelines for Liaison Officers - Fire Lt. Colonel Vasileios BIKAS, Hellenic Fire Corps
  • Drafting Reports and Forms: Situation Report & Daily Shift - Fire Lt. Colonel Vasileios BIKAS, Hellenic Fire Corps
     
Event Presentation
Presentation by Col. Ioannis Kolovos, Hellenic Fire Corps

During the 3rd Day of the event, The GSCP Trainers provided to the participants guided tours of both the Greek National Crisis Management Coordination Center & 112 PSAP (Call Center), and the Hellenic Fire Corps - Training Center. After the culmination of the Training Event activities, all trainees received 'Certificates of Attendance'.

The knowledge and experience gained through the implementation of the HNS Training Event will be invaluable to the Cyprus Civil Defence for developing the Host Nation Support Cell which will be tested during the implementation of the DEMONAX Full Scale Exercise.

DEMONAX Training Event

Sectors

Education & Training

Risk drivers

Climate change

Thematic series

Civil Protection in the Media Prevention and preparedness activities

Related to

Civil Protection in the Media