23.09.2020.
Elite brigades - always ready
“WHEN OTHERS CAN'T OR DON'T DARE, THERE IS THE ONLY ONE... THE 72ND THAT ALWAYS CAN AND DARES!“ is the motto of the members of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade, while the members of the 63rd Parachute Brigade swear an oath to their unit which reads as follows: “PARATROOPERS OF THE 63RD PARACHUTE BRIGADE WORK FOR THE FATHERLAND, FOR THE COMMRADE, FOR THE RIFLE, FOR SOLDIER’S AND WARRIOR’S HONOUR!”. By the decision of the President of the Republic of Serbia dated 21 December 2019, these units were given back the rank of a brigade and the status of a unit, i.e. they were given back their old names and the status they deserve.
The 72nd Special Operations Brigade is the legal successor of the 72nd Special Brigade which was decorated with the Order of the War Banner on 16th June 2000. During the organisational changes in 2006, parts of the 72nd Special Brigade were integrated into the newly formed Special Brigade.
The rank of a brigade and the status of a unit were returned to them by the decision of the President of the Republic dated 21 December 2019, on the basis of which the 72nd Special Operations Brigade was formed as a unit directly subordinated to the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces. Several months later, on 14 June 2020, in the “Second Serbian Uprising” Memorial Complex in Takovo, the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces Aleksandar Vučić presented a war flag to the 72nd Special Operations Brigade as a symbol of freedom and honour.Along with the 63rd Parachute Brigade, the 72nd Special Operations Brigade is highly professional, combat effective and dedicated to performing its tasks and it has always been the most elite unit of our armed forces that people in Serbia are proud of. It is a tactical unit intended and trained for carrying out special operations, commando, counter-commando, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations, as well as for reconnaissance and collecting intelligence data in all conditions.
Members of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment and they do not lag behind their counterparts from around the world in the least. They are capable of overcoming the most difficult obstacles and they are always at their country’s disposal.
Intensive training is conducted at the 72nd Special Operations Brigade – selective, basic and advanced special forces training. Its members have to be physically fittest and undergo training in firearm handling, basic sniper training, tactical training, special forces tactical training, topography and orientation in the field, training in handling fire support weapons and systems, training in how to use telecommunication equipment as well as to perform tactical exercises.Among other things, members of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade undergo training in how to find food in the nature and survive in summer and winter conditions, training in overcoming water obstacles, and skiing and parachute training. In accordance with the best world standards, they can effectively respond to security challenges and carry out the assigned tasks.
The new reconnaissance, commando and parachute uniforms play an important role in carrying out special tasks and provide better protection to the body in extreme weather because it is extremely important to protect the body against adverse weather conditions and ensure freedom of movement and the ability to react swiftly.Constant investment in the improvement of the standard of living, equipment and training of members of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade shows how much their work, commitment and sacrifices made in the defence of the homeland are valued and respected. Therefore, with their professionalism and commitment in performing tasks, members of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade keep their unit worthy of the name of the decorated 72nd Special Brigade.
