27.10.2023.

Ceremony to mark induction of non-commissioned officers into professional NCO corps

A ceremony to mark the induction of non-commissioned officers into professional NCO corps and the promotion of 62 attendees of the Basic NCO Course (22th Class) to the rank of sergeant was held today at the Guard Club in Topčider. In this way, the Serbian Armed Forces have been strengthened with yet another NCO generation who are ready to assume their entry level NCO duties in SAF units.

On that occasion, Commander of the Training Command, Major General Željko Petrović, congratulated the young NCOs on opting for an honourable and responsible profession.

- Being a member of the Serbian Armed Forces and working to preserve the freedom of one’s fatherland is the greatest honour and the noblest commitment to vital interests of one’s people and a continuation of a tradition and reputation that members of the armed forces enjoy among the people. Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of your professional non-commissioned officer career. You have decisively and responsibly taken up a military and patriotic occupation and duty. I hope you will carry out your professional responsibilities and functional duties in a conscientious, consistent, professional and honourable manner, thus facilitating the development of the Serbian Armed Forces – emphasized General Petrović.

Addressing the newly promoted NCOs, he said that the future of our country was directed towards peace and prosperity of our society.

- You are another generation of young leaders to swell our ranks, and your older and more experienced superiors need to pass on their experience and knowledge to you and thus train you as reliable defenders of our homeland. By being professional and dedicated to work, and by setting personal example, make sure that all assigned tasks are carried out responsibly, fully and safely – said the Commander of the Training Command, emphasizing that top training and knowledge were the greatest contribution to defence.

After the orders on the promotion to the rank of sergeant were read, three top-ranked NCOs were awarded wrist watches.

Commander of the Training Command, General Petrović presented the award to the first-ranked NCO, Sergeant Nemanja Radenković, while the Head of the Human Resources Directorate, Brigadier General Savo Iriškić and Sergeant Major of the Serbian Armed Forces Nenad Stević presented the awards to the second-ranked, Sergeant Bojan Agatonović, and the third-ranked, Sergeant Nemanja Bogišić, respectively.

In his address, Sergeant Radenković said that it was his hur to speak on behalf of the Basic NCO Course’s 22nd Class, emphasizing that thanks to joint effort, commitment and acquisition of new knowledge and skills they had managed to pass all their exams.

- For us, this ceremony is not just a promotion. Today we are committing ourselves to improving our skills in the period to come. Our code of ethics is a legacy bequeathed to us by our glorious ancestors and it includes: honour, kind-heartedness, courage, humanity and unconditional commitment to our people and Serbia, because we do not know, nor do we want, any other way - emphasized Sergeant Radenković and thanked the instructors who had unselfishly passed on their knowledge and skills and the families who had been their greatest support.

He said that he would perform his new duties honourably and responsibly, which according to him is the only way the non-commissioned officers of the Serbian Armed Forces know how, and thanked for the opportunity provided to them to serve their country honourably.

The ceremony was attended by Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Nebojša Nikolić, Head of the Development and Equipment Directorate (J-5), Brigadier General Milan Popović, Head of the Training and Doctrine Directorate (J-7), Brigadier General Muharem Fazlić, Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Air Defence Command, Brigadier General Gordan Pavlović, Chief of Staff of the Army Command, Brigadier General Zoran Dragićević, as well as relatives and friends of the newly promoted non-commissioned officers.