20.12.2024.

Class of December 2024 takes oath of enlistment, Minister Gašić attends

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended today the oath-taking ceremony held at Field Marshal Živojin Mišić Barracks in Valjevo. The oath was taken by the soldiers who started doing their voluntary military service this December and civilians who have completed the Non-Commissioned Officer Course.

Congratulating the soldiers and NCO Course graduates on taking the oath, the Minister of Defence said he was honoured and pleased to be a part of the most solemn act in the life of every soldier, because "taking the oath of enlistment is a pledge of loyalty to the motherland".

- These young people who took the oath in front of us today, swore on their honour that they will always stand in defence of Serbia's freedom. They deserve our respect for having the courage to take on this great moral responsibility. Joining the ranks of generations that built and defended the fundamental values of our society, these amazing young men and women rise above the status of ordinary citizens and become protectors of the state - said Minister Gašić.

History teaches us, he said, that Serbia has never been an aggressor, but that it has always known how to defend itself.

- From Kosovo and Vidovdan, to the glorious uprisings in the early 19th century, to the Balkan wars, to the great victories in the First and Second World Wars, until today, the Serbian soldier has been a symbol of freedom and resistance against the invaders. People see firmness, consistency and honesty in our soldiers. Each generation of soldiers passes on this reputation to the next as an obligation and a token - to protect it and never tarnish it - emphasized the Minister of Defence.

As Minister Gašić told the soldiers, the training ahead is not easy, but it will make them stronger, teach them discipline and teamwork.

- Those challenges are not difficult for those who love their homeland and have faith in themselves. Make sure you are disciplined and committed to acquiring knowledge and skills. Rest assured that each of you, with your effort and commitment, is adding a stone to the rampart that defends Serbia. You should know that, once you complete your military service, there is a place for you among professional members of our armed forces – said the Minister of Defence and asked the soldiers to embrace the opportunity and ensure a safe future for themselves and their families.

According to Minister Gašić, our armed forces are getting stronger day by the day and, with the wholehearted help and support of the state leadership led by the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces, Aleksandar Vučić, we are investing in equipment, modernization, training and improvement of living standards.

- Serbia must have strong and ready armed forces that will be the guarantor of peace and security for all its citizens. Peace has always been and will always be our goal. Our strength sends a message that we are ready and able to defend what is ours - emphasized Minister Gašić.

He told the NCO Course graduates that the path they had chosen “brings great challenges, but also great honour”, and noted that an officer’s role in our armed forces is not only to command, but to be a role model, and to be responsible for leading the people entrusted to them.

- You, as future non-commissioned officers, are expected to embody discipline, expertise, courage and determination. Your soldiers will look up to you, believe your words and follow your actions. Every order you issue must be based on knowledge, morality and human responsibility. Don't forget - being a leader is not a job, but a way of life - said the Minister of Defence.

Addressing the parents and relatives of the soldiers who took the oath today, Minister Gašić said that “they have the right to be happy and proud”.

- As a parent, my heart fills with the same feelings when I see the beauty of our youth in the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces. Dear children, let the words of the military oath guide you through life and remind you of the promise you made today. Serve your country honestly, bravely and honourably, as befits a Serbian soldier and a Serbian non-commissioned officer. Long live the Serbian Armed Forces! Long live Serbia - concluded the Minister of Defence.

The oath taking ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff Lt. Gen. Tiosav Janković, Head of Office of the Minister of Defence Brig. Gen. Goran Momčilović, Deputy Commander of the Training Command Brig. Gen. Nebojša Cvetković, Head of the Human Resources Department, General Staff, Brig. Gen. Slađan Hristov, representatives of the district and the local self-government, Serbian Orthodox Church members, and numerous relatives and friends. Officer in charge of today’s ceremony was Col. Saša Stojiljković, commander of the Second Training Centre in Valjevo.

Anđela Filipović from Vranje, one of the NCO Course graduates, said that she wanted to show her sons her love for the homeland.

- My lifelong dream is to work for the military. My impressions have been phenomenal so far, as well as the relationship between the leaders and the candidates. What I like the most is team cohesiveness, and the fact that the “all for one and one for all” rule applies – says Anđela Filipović.

Milan Radenković, who comes from Niš but is originally from Kosovo and Metohija, is one of the civilians who have completed the NCO Course. He says that he wants to do active duty in the Serbian Armed Forces.

- That's what I signed up for. My impressions are excellent. Apart from becoming more disciplined, we have made many good friends here with whom we get along very well - said Radenković.

Igor Samardžić from Tivat, who has applied for voluntary military service alongside his girlfriend, emphasizes that this is another important step towards their life together.

- I think that doing voluntary service is the least we can do for ourselves, our ancestors and our descendants. I would recommend to everyone to apply for military service and give it a go, because here, we are primarily taught to be good people, but also good soldiers - said Samardžić, stressing that he is extremely proud to be a soldier.