In any military force, discipline is paramount. It is the backbone that holds troops together, ensuring order and effectiveness. But, Unauthorized chants are a misconduct, nothing moreWhen soldiers in a marching unit chant “unauthorised” slogans, it is indeed a breach of discipline—perhaps even serious misconduct. But how serious is it, really?
The Nature of Military Discipline
Disciplinary misconduct is not a one-size-fits-all concept. There is a vast difference between a minor oversight and an act that genuinely threatens the cohesion of the armed forces.
Discipline is not about blind obedience; it is about maintaining the fighting spirit of the troops. Without it, no army can function. If any uniformed soldier can act with impunity, there is no military force—only a collection of individuals in uniform.
The gravity of any disciplinary offence must be assessed based on one key factor:
Does it weaken the troops’ willingness to fight?
A minor infraction, such as failing to report properly, does not affect morale and is typically met with leniency. Deliberately defying a superior’s order, however, is far more serious. And for soldiers to chant freely during a parade? That falls somewhere in between.
But even in this case, the severity of the offence depends on what was chanted.
- If they had shouted, “We do NOT want to fight,” it would be a direct challenge to their mission, an open rejection of duty. That would be a grave offence.
- But if they had shouted, “Send us to fight,” the meaning is entirely different—it signals eagerness to serve. It is still misconduct, but far less severe.
In fact, punishing such an act too harshly could do more harm than good. Over-disciplining those who display zeal for their duty risks damaging morale far more than the original infraction.
Discipline vs. Heroism: A Lesson from History
Military history offers countless examples of where “misconduct” and heroism have overlapped.
Take the case of a battlefield commander ordering a retreat. If some soldiers refuse to leave him behind, their defiance is technically a disciplinary offence. Yet, at the same time, it is an act of heroism.
If they survive, they might receive a symbolic punishment. If they fall, they are honoured as heroes.
At my father’s funeral—a veteran of three wars—his medals were displayed as tradition dictates. One of his surviving comrades approached me, pointed at two of them, and remarked:
“Both of these, your father received after being court-martialled.”
He had defied orders. But in doing so, he had fought bravely—and had ultimately been recognised for it.
Discipline should not exist to break soldiers; it should exist to strengthen them. Punishment for misconduct should reinforce the fighting spirit, not weaken it.
The Controversy of the 25th March Parade
Two days ago, during Greece’s national parade for 25th March, two unauthorised slogans were heard:
- “Cyprus is Greek” – “Fuck Turkey!”
- A tribute to Claudia, the Military Medical student who tragically died in the Tempe train disaster.
Cyprus: A Statement of Fact, Not a Crime
The slogan about Cyprus reflects Greece’s official stance and historical reality. Greece has long-standing obligations to protect Cyprus, and the island’s Greek identity is undeniable.
Declaring “Cyprus is Greek” is a disciplinary offence due to military protocol—but it is not illegal, nor is it false.
As for “Fuck Turkey,” it is crude. But consider this:
- It was directed at a country that openly claims half the Aegean as its own.
- A country that declares Greek islands were “stolen.”
- A country that officially threatens Greece with war (casus belli).
- A country whose leaders have repeatedly declared they will “come one night.”
That is what real provocation looks like.
Meanwhile, Turkish officials face no consequences for their constant hostility towards Greece. In fact, they are often rewarded with promotions.
And yet, Greek soldiers, on a national holiday, are expected to remain silent?
Should Greece accept perpetual insults and threats but punish its own for responding—even verbally?
Some argue that shouting “Cyprus is Greek” in the past led to the Turkish invasion of 1974. That is historical revisionism of the worst kind.
Turkey did not invade Cyprus because of a chant. It invaded because:
- Its long-term Eastern Mediterranian strategic needs necessitated the occupation of Cyprus.
Even the Americans had acknowledged in 1964 that as long as that division remained, any Turkish invasion attempt would fail.
Now, fifty years later, certain so-called “democrats” are helping to whitewash the mistakes of the past.
A Tribute to Claudia That Brought Greece to Tears
The second chant was a tribute to Claudia, a young cadet of the Military Medical Academy who perished in the Tempe train disaster.
Her comrades honoured her memory with a heartfelt call:
“Claudia, I love you – Claudia, I won’t forget you!”
Millions of Greeks were moved to tears.
Yet, some were offended.
And now, these cadets face punishment for their disciplinary misconduct.
If only all disciplinary offences were of this kind! At least then, we could rest assured that Greece’s security is in good hands.
Some, however, seem deeply unsettled. Perhaps because a new generation of Greek soldiers refuses to forget. Perhaps because they care about more than just their mobile phones and social media. Perhaps because they refuse to whitewash Turkey’s actions.
They understand their duty. And they are not afraid to say it out loud.
The Role of the Navy Cadets in the 25th March Parade
This year’s March 25th Parade in Athens was also marked by the participation of the Hellenic Navy cadets, who marched in impeccable formation, embodying Greece’s proud maritime traditions.
As future officers of the Hellenic Navy, they represent not only the discipline of the armed forces but also the long-standing defence of Greece’s sovereignty at sea. Their presence in the parade was a powerful reminder that Greece, as a seafaring nation, has always relied on its naval forces to protect its independence.
Many in attendance noted the cadets’ unwavering composure and determination, despite the controversies surrounding the event. Their participation underscored the enduring spirit of the Hellenic Armed Forces—proud, disciplined, and resolute.
Semper Fi: The Code of the Warrior
In the United States Marine Corps, there is a famous motto: Semper Fidelis, or simply Semper Fi.
It means “Always Loyal”—to duty, to command, to country, to fellow soldiers, to fallen comrades. It is more than a slogan; it is a bond that unites Marines as a family.
In their disciplinary code, a soldier who “disobeys” an order in order to rescue a comrade is not punished.
Because Semper Fi is not above discipline—it is the reason for it.
And this in the greatest and oldest modern republic.
American recruits learn it through months of rigorous training. Greek soldiers, it seems, feel it in their hearts.
Because that is what they really shouted at the parade the other day:
Semper Fi!
And this is what we are about to punish? At Turkey’s request, no less?
Final Thought
If this is a disciplinary offence, then by all means—punish them.
One day’s detention.
With suspension.
