27.08.2021.
Serbian Armed Forces get 93 new NCOs
Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD, and Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović, attended the ceremony to mark the enlistment of 93 students of the Basic NCO Course (17th class) as full-time active duty non-commissioned officers and their promotion to the rank of sergeant in the “Banjica 2” barracks.
Congratulating them on their first non-commissioned officer rank, Stefanović pointed out that they had decided not only to pursue careers, but also to spend their lives in one of the most honourable institutions in our country.According to him, the military and everything that makes a soldier's life are not new to the youngest non-commissioned officers, considering the fact that they have served in the military as professional soldiers so far.
- You already know what that means, you know how great a sacrifice it requires, and your families know how hard you had to work to get these ranks. That is not new for you, but what is new is that you are getting command over people today. It is a great burden of responsibility, together with the weight of the ranks - from sergeant to general, but it is also something that makes you important in the system of the Serbian Armed Forces and something that makes you special. You are the chosen ones, you are the best of those we had, and you have been entrusted with that difficult, but beautiful and solemn duty. And that is why I am asking you to fulfil that duty by being serious and dedicated and to show that you love Serbia always and above all else - Minister Stefanović told the non-commissioned officers.
He said that our country is trying to improve the position of our service members.- And I don't just mean the salary, although we will try to get you another salary increase. I have talked to President Vučić many times about that and we understand that only a satisfied soldier means a strong military, and only a strong military means a strong Serbia. We will try to provide you with good equipment and high-quality uniforms, and make sure that you and your families are satisfied with the way your country takes care of you and that every year is better than the previous one - said Minister Stefanović.
According to him, despite being underestimated by some people, everyone knows today that the Serbian Armed Forces are a key deterrent against anyone who thinks they can endanger our homeland.
- Today, our armed forces are one of the most powerful in the region, not only in terms of equipment, but also in terms of personnel. They are the heart and soul of any military. I am proud of our service members who are always ready to fight for their country and who are always there for their people - said Minister Stefanović.
After reading the promotion orders, Minister Stefanović presented awards to the best sergeants in class - Sergeants Filip Đurašković, Stefan Miladinović and Vladislav Perović.On behalf of the 17th class, the top-ranked Sergeant Filip Đurašković addressed the gathering, saying that today his dreams, as well as the dreams of his colleagues, have come true.
- Thanks to joint work, commitment and great desire to acquire new knowledge and new skills, we have passed various selection processes, tests and exams, so that we can be here in front of you today holding our heads high - Sergeant Đurašković emphasized.
According to him, today's ceremony is not just a promotion for them, but taking on responsibility for improving themselves in their future work.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Defence Minister’s Collegium and the Chief of the General Staff’s expanded Collegium.
