17.03.2012.

Pledge taking ceremony in training centers

In the SAF training centers in Sombor, Serbia, Valjevo and Leskovac the third generation of soldiers who will be in the next three months voluntary military service took their pledge of allegiance

In Leskovac barracks "Vojvoda Petar Bojovic" the ceremony was attended by the Serbian Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Ljubisa Dikovic, commander of Army Major General Milan Mojsilovic, Commander Training Command, Brigadier General Dusan Stojanovic, Chief of the Jablanica District Vladan Marinkovic, Leskovac Mayor Slobodan Kocic, and municipal officials, SPC, police departments, the Department for Emergency Situations Ministry, parents, relatives and friends.

Addressing the soldiers, General Dikovic congratulated them and said on the occasion that the soldiers who have opted for voluntary military service became part of the defense system that serves a noble goal - the safety and reputation of Serbia and the citizens who live in it.

"Recall the words of the oath and be proud of them just as Serbia is proud of you. In addition to military skills in the Army you will gain lasting friendships, and life experiences, which will be useful throughout life. A growing number of young people are opting for military profession, and I am sure that many of you want to be part of professional ranks of the Army of Serbia, "said General Dikovic and said" that to all those who wish to work hard, but wonderful and honorable military call, who love challenges and discipline and military experts will be advancing in the service –the army of Serbia opens the gates of their barracks.

During his address to the parents of the present sliders, general Dikovic stressed that that all the soldiers of the Army effort to ensure they return to their homes more mature and more satisfied but most of all safe "I hope you will hear from them all the best about the life and working in the Army of Serbia and that together we can build the reputation of SAF," as General Dikovic remarked.

He said the Serbian Army today contributes significantly to improving regional security, to the development of cooperation and partnership with other armed forces of all countries, with the participation of SAF in multinational operations thus increasing the reputation in the world of the Serbian state, and at the same time, strengthening the diplomatic potential for the realization of Serbia’s interests of citizens.

Whenever necessary, and wherever there is some difficulty, the soldiers are the first to arrive to provide help. We have a good army, good officers, excellent soldiers, we know where we are going and what our goals are, "said General Dikovic and added that" trust in the Army confirms that we are on the right track and that the connection between the Army and the nation is unbreakable. "

"The pledge of soldiers who have opted for voluntary military service, and congratulated the Mayor of Leskovac Slobodan Kocic, who was at the ceremony said that the city and the region to be strategic partners of our Armed Forces.

STATEMENTS OF SOLDIERS AND PARENTS

Strahinja Stojanovic from Leskovac, Dejan Stamenkovic from Vladicin Han and Nemanja Jovanovic from Vranje were excited about the opportunity to take the pledge to serve the fatherland and say they are very satisfied with the first experiences.

Marko Rajacic from Zajecar says military service means a lot, because he is entering into adulthood, while his father Miodrag, a retired sergeant and mother and Sla?ana were happy at the seeing their son becoming a professional soldier.

"The desire to serve the fatherland was stronger than any obstacle, said Nebojsa Jankovic from Gnjilane, father Zvonko and mother Leposava add that it was a great honor to havea son who is a solider.

Katarina Zivkovic from Prokuplje, student agricultural high school, says she fulfilled a desire to wear a military uniform, and was happy as the oath was attended by numerous members of her family and friends. Her mother says that the Council has always been proud of her two daughters, but is now happy for her special day.

The pledge ceremony for soldiers who opted for voluntary military service was also held in first training center of the Serbian Army in Sombor.

In addition to their parents and friends, the ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief of General Staff, Maj. Gen. Milan Bjelica, Brigadier General Mladjan Niscevic, Colonel Milic Stanic, commander of the SAF Second Brigade , as well as representatives of the first training center, social and economic life of Sombor municipality and surrounding towns.

The Deputy Chief of SAF GS Bjelica congratulated the soldiers who took the pledge pointing out that in the case of voluntary military service there was a high awareness of young people.

- Opting for this type of service to one's country is an honor, and takes courage and willingness to do exploits for Serbia, while the solemn words of the oath of these echelons, as well as those in other cities are echoing throughout Serbia, as Bjelica said adding that the radical change and reform VS contributed to the Serbian army was now not only ready to respond to security challenges in its territory, but that is a factor of stability in the region and to participate in five UN peacekeeping missions and contribute to stability in the world.

Soldiers at voluntary military service took the pledge at the Training Center in Valjevo. The ceremony was attended by Major General Jovica Draganic, Chief of the Training and Doctrine Command, and Major General Radivoj Vukobratovic, Head of Informatics and Telecommunications Department of SAF GS.