19.03.2021.

Minister Stefanović: The one who chooses to be a soldier, deserves special respect

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD, attended today the ceremony where the March 2021 generation of military volunteers took the oath of enlistment in the “Field Marshal Petar Bojović“ barracks in Leskovac. More than 400 soldiers and participants in the Reserve Officers Course (March 2021 generation) took the oath today in the barracks in Leskovac, Sombor, Valjevo and Belgrade.

Minister Stefanović congratulated the soldiers on taking the oath, saying that today they had given their word that they would be with their people wherever needed.

- You have done a great thing today and I am convinced that your families and friends are very proud of you for taking the military oath. Unfortunately, they are not here today due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but I am sure that they are proud of you, because I have experienced the same thing – Minister Stefanović pointed out, telling the soldiers that they were our country’s treasure.

- Serbian soldiers have been taking the military oath since time immemorial, pledging loyalty to their homeland. The defence of the fatherland has always been more than an obligation for our people. It has been an honour and a symbol of courage displayed by everyone who has fought for their homeland. We are proud of our army’s glorious tradition and history. Today we continue this tradition. The one who chooses to be a soldier, deserves special respect and we have come here today to show you this respect – Minister of Defence pointed out.

According to him, being a soldier means serving common good and being ready for hard work and sacrifice.

- You knew this when you decided to apply for military service and that is why I know you are brave and courageous. More and more young people want to be part of our country’s defence system, and today you confirm once again that the Serbian Armed Forces enjoy considerable reputation among our people. The training you will undergo has been designed by serious and courageous people who have dedicated their whole lives to the defence of the homeland and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the officers and NCOs who devoted themselves and their knowledge to our defence system – Minister Stefanović said.

Speaking about military service, he stressed that soldiers were likely to face various challenges, such as helping the disaster-affected citizens, and providing assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic, and added that military units had always been inseparable from their people and first to respond to crises.

- There is a lot of sacrifice and difficult moments, but I am sure that you will always remember the beautiful moments spent in our units. I would like to thank you and your parents once again for making this decision, because there is nothing more important, nothing better, than being with your people and your homeland. You should be proud members of the Serbian Armed Forces, proud of the oath you have taken today and never forget that Serbia is our only homeland. Long live Serbia - Minister Stefanović said.

Aleksandra Dimitrijević, a 22-year-old resident of Bor, has also taken the oath today. She says she has decided to do her voluntary military service because she wants to continue her professional career in the Serbian Armed Forces.

- My brother has also done his military service and his impressions are quite positive. I would recommend young people to apply for military service in order to acquire some new knowledge and skills and of course to make new friends – Private Aleksandra Dimitrijević points out.

Private Dejan Spasojević from Blace has also taken the oath today. He points out that family tradition is what has primarily led him to apply for voluntary military service, but also the possibility of getting employment in the Serbian Armed Forces.

- I would recommend young people to apply for voluntary military service if they want to gain new experience in the military, master some new skills, and make lots of friends - said Private Dejan Spasojević.

The ceremony in the Training Command’s Third Training Centre in Leskovac was also attended by the Training Command Deputy Commander Brigadier General Nikola Dejanović, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces and representatives of the Jablanica District.

The oath-taking ceremony was also held today in the First Training Centre in Sombor's “Airport“ barracks, where the Head of the Human Resources Department (J-1), Brigadier General Savo Iriškić, congratulated the soldiers and in the Second Training Centre in the “Field Marshal Živojin Mišić“ barracks in Valjevo, where the Head of the Training and Doctrine Department (J-7), Brigadier General Željko Petrović congratulated the soldiers on taking the oath. Head of the Military Academy Dean’s Office, Colonel Aca Ranđelović, PhD, congratulated the Reserve Officers Course participants in the "General Jovan Mišković" barracks in Belgrade.