Personal Defense World
  • News
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
    • SCCY Brand Videos
    • Video Series
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
  • News
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
    • SCCY Brand Videos
    • Video Series
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
No Result
View All Result
 
FREE GUN FRIDAY > Enter to WIN the Ruger PC Charger & PC Carbine, Ammo from Black Hills and the Caldwell Portable Range Kit!

Greece’s Counter-Terror GLOCKs

Personal Defense World by Personal Defense World
January 1, 2012
in Guns, Weapons
0
Greece’s Counter-Terror GLOCKs
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


In the last seven years, Greece organized two major athletic events, the Olympic Games in 2004 and the Special Olympics in 2011, which occurred in tandem with the Global War on Terrorism. This required the best law enforcement and counter-terrorism tactics because the events were of great importance not only to the hosting country but also to the global community. As such, the selection of the appropriate handgun for counter-terrorism responses during these events was not a choice to be taken lightly. The only logical choice was the GLOCK 21!

The Special Anti-Terrorist Unit of the Hellenic Police (EKAM) is the most distinguished and decorated section of the Greek Police. Its origins can be traced back to 1978, when policing in Greece was undertaken by two separate organizations, the Hellenic Gendarmerie and the Hellenic Urban Police. In 1984, these two agencies where unified into a single body, the Hellenic Police.

EKAM Endurance

The EKAM operates within Greece and abroad whenever it is deemed necessary. Throughout its existence, the unit has confronted extreme challenges, such as hostage situations, contributing to the arrests of many violent criminals. It undertakes missions within city limits as well as in rural settings, often requiring the unit to deploy in the Hellenic countryside and employ tactics to hunt criminals in the most hostile, mountainous parts of Greece, where the climate can range from scorching summers (+45 C) to sub-freezing winters (-20 C). All EKAM weapons and equipment must be able to endure these extremes and perform flawlessly at all times.

The unit has had a catalytic role in the dismantling of “17 November” and the “Greek Revolutionary Front,” two of the most violent terrorist organizations in the history of Greece. In March 2003, it successfully resolved an incident involving a hijacked Turkish plane that was diverted to Athens International Airport by order of the hijacker. In a successful operation, the unit stormed the plane, arrested the hijacker, and released all hostages—without any fatalities or injuries.

The unit is in constant cooperation with special international law enforcement units such as the U.S. Special Forces Group, FBI HRT, British SO19, French RAID, Spanish GEO and Austrian COBRA. EKAM operatives cross-train regularly with these forces in order to stay on top of international CT methods and technologies.

Making the Switch

In 2003, one year before the Athens Olympics, Hellenic Police equipment, especially that used by EKAM operators, was re-evaluated and modernized. the EKAM upgraded to the GLOCK 21. The GLOCK 21 replaced their old standard, the Jericho 941, and has been the issued sidearm of the Hellenic CT unit ever since.

There were several reasons for going with the new G21: exemplary ergonomics and durability, simplicity of design, low bore axis and reduced felt recoil, high-capacity .45 Auto magazines, and, of course, the legendary GLOCK reliability. When tasked with counter-terrorism operations—where failure is not an option—the absolute reliability of the G21 was the only logical choice.
Lt. Colonel George Psomas, the unit commander of EKAM in 2003, had a pivotal role in changing the issue caliber to .45 Auto from what it had been before. He is credited for the decisive proposal that finally led to the EKAM adopting the G21 as their official sidearm.

All issued G21 pistols have fixed night sights and GTL10 tactical lights and EKAM operators carry them in Blackhawk thigh holsters. When an operation requires stealth, they use B&T suppressors.

Other specialist units of the Hellenic Police, including the President and Prime Minister’s protective details, use select-fire GLOCK 18s.

While Greece is undoubtedly one of the smallest countries in Europe, it has seen its fair share of domestic terrorism. The country is an active partner in the Global War on Terror, and the threat of international terrorism on Hellenic soil is high. But Greece’s premier counter-terrorism unit, the EKAM, is ready with GLOCK 21s on their side.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

Related Posts

The Recover Tactical P-IX IX Modular AR Platform converts your basic boring Glock into a slick and handy PCC or subgun style package.

TESTED: Recover Tactical P-IX Modular AR Platform for Glock Pistols

Best Handgun for Concealed Carry.

Picking the Best Handgun for Concealed Carry [2022]

The “Best” Handguns for Women.

Best Handguns for Women [2022]

The SK Customs U.S. Mint Glock.

SK Customs Type 2 US Mint American Eagle Tribute Glock 45 Limited

Load More

PERSONAL DEFENSE WORLD VIDEOS

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

What Are Red Flag Laws?

What Are Red Flag Laws and Are They Ripe For Abuse?

Recently, the Senate passed the “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,” which includes funding for red flag laws. Garnering the support of...

Read more

TRENDING

POF-USA, POF-USA Skirmish

POF-USA Releases The Skirmish, Ideal For Competition Use

...

11 of the Best 1911 Pistols for 2022.

11 Best 1911 Pistols [2022]

...

The SIG Sauer P365 X-Macro Comp.

SIG Sauer P365 X-Macro Comp Provides 17+1 Rounds of Fast Follow Up

...

The Savage Arms Stance, chambered in 9mm.

TESTED: Savage Stance Is a Solid Entry into the Concealed Carry Market

...

PICK A CATEGORY

CONCEALED CARRY SPOTLIGHT

Summer Concealed Carry Options.

Carry Concealed Comfortably This Summer

Winter weather provides quite a few benefits to gun owners. Big, heavy coats and shirts more easily hide the bulges...

CONCEALED CARRY SHOWCASE

Schools Throughout Madison County North Carolina Get AR-15s for Defense.

Madison County Schools in North Carolina Boost Security with AR-15s

The Pineworld K5 Gun Safe.

The Pineworld K5 Gun Safe with Biometric Entry Reviewed

The SIG Sauer P365 X-Macro Comp.

SIG Sauer P365 X-Macro Comp Provides 17+1 Rounds of Fast Follow Up

Mayors Against Illegal Guns Report for Duty to Target Firearm Industry.

Mayors Against Illegal Guns Conspire to Target Firearm Industry

The Oakley SI American Heritage Collection.

Oakley SI Honors Military Aircraft History with American Heritage Collection

Study Proves the Good Guy with a Gun Theory.

Good Guy with a Gun: Study of CCW Holders Stopping Mass Shootings

Escaping a Knife Attack, UF PRO

WATCH: How to Defend Yourself Against an Attack with a Knife

The Wilson Combat 45th Anniversary Special Edition CQB.

Wilson Combat Celebrates Its 45th Anniversary with a Special Edition CQB

site logo
Gun News, Gun Reviews, and Self Defense Tips
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Guns
    • View All Guns
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
    • Sponsored
  • Gear
    • View All Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • View All Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us

© 2022 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.