09.03.2023.

Minister Vučević presents decrees on promotions and appointments

Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Miloš Vučević presented the officers of the Serbian Armed Forces with the decrees issued by the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces Aleksandar Vučić, promoting them to higher ranks and appointing them to new duties. The ceremony held at the Old General Staff’s Great War Hall was attended by Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović and members of the Defence Minister’s and the Chief of the General Staff’s collegiums.

Colonels Goran Momčilović, Mihailo Zogović, Mile Vitezović, Gordan Pavlović, Siniša Stašević and Slavko Rakić were promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Colonel Boban Đorović, appointed as Rector of the Defence University, and Colonel Jovica Matić, appointed as Deputy Commander of the Training Command, were also promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Brigadier General Muharem Fazlić was appointed as Head of the Training and Doctrine Department SAF GS (J-7), whereas Colonel Predrag Kraljević was appointed as Head of the Military Office of the President of the Republic of Serbia. Colonel Dragan Arsenijević was appointed as Head of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Department SAF GS (J-2), whereas Colonel Milan Lazić was appointed as Head of the Military Police Department SAF GS.

Minister Vučević congratulated the officers, adding that he had proposed to President Vučić that 12 officers serving at the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces should be promoted to a higher rank or appointed to a new position.

- Pursuant to the Law on the Serbian Armed Forces and the power it confers on the Minister of Defence, and based on the proposal put forward by the Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, I have held consultations with my associates and proposed to the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić that 12 officers be promoted or appointed to new positions at the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces. Recognizing the positive results they have achieved so far, I have proposed that eight officers should be promoted to a higher rank, five of whom will be given early promotions. The promoted officers have selflessly carried out the tasks assigned to the organizational units they manage. They have put all their knowledge and potential at the service of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, especially by taking part in the organization and coordination of exercises conducted by SAF units, planning and execution of activities and tasks carried out by the units throughout the Republic of Serbia, development and equipping of the Serbian Armed Forces with new weapons and military equipment, development of military science and scientific achievements, as well as building up the reputation of the military in the public and promoting moral values in general, said the Minister of Defence, adding that one more reason was their participation in the defence of the homeland, wherever and whenever it was needed.

Minister Vučević said that, due to their efforts and responsible approach to assignments, their conscientiousness and perseverance in carrying out their tasks, the officers who had been promoted and appointed to new duties could be role models for all members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, especially for their younger colleagues and future generations.

- In order to enhance the operational and functional capabilities of both the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, I also proposed to the President of the Republic as Supreme Commander that the hitherto vacant posts be filled with six officers, by appointing them to new duties. The decrees issued by President Vučić are a confirmation that your work and efforts in the recent period have been recognized as extremely important for the improvement of the defence system, Minister Vučević said, expressing his belief that they would justify the trust placed in them.

He told the officers to hold their new ranks with pride and to carry out their duties with enthusiasm. According to him, "this is not the end, nor the flagship of your efforts to promote the welfare of our homeland; this is just the beginning of your new duties and even greater responsibilities."

- Generals, do not forget that the oak wreath that you will add to your epaulettes today is a symbol of victory, strength, protection, firmness, but also a symbol of truth and justice. It is a symbol of the constancy of faith and virtue, and your faith and virtue must be directed at our homeland, Serbia, and we must all remain subordinate and committed to it. Gentlemen, officers, do not forget the wise lessons of the great King Petar I the Liberator, who taught his officers not to regard a soldier as a subordinate, but as a friend and brother. Finally, be aware that new duties imply greater responsibility, said the Minister of Defence.

Minister Vučević cited the famous Field Marshal Živojin Mišić, who said: “In critical moments, the commander must get personally involved in order to rally and encourage his troops to persevere“.

- I expect you to continue working even harder and more efficiently, striving to strengthen and improve the Ministry of Defence, the Serbian Armed Forces and our homeland. Long live our glorious military, the mainstay of our people, long live our homeland - Serbia, said the Minister of Defence and once again congratulated the officers on their new ranks and appointments.

Brigadier General Goran Momčilović was born on July 4, 1967 in Surdulica. His professional military career started in 1990. He graduated from the Military Academy in 1990, obtained his master’s degree in 2005, completed the General Staff Course in 2009 and Advanced Security and Defence Studies in 2021. He is the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence.

Brigadier General Mihailo Zogović was born on January 17, 1976 in Berane. His professional military career started in 1999. He graduated from the Military Technical Academy in 1999, obtained his master’s degree in 2008 and a PhD in 2012. He completed the Advanced Security and Defence Studies in 2022. He is the Head of the Public Relations Department, Ministry of Defence.

Brigadier General Boban Đorović was born on September 14, 1969 in Kragujevac. His professional military career started in 1993. He graduated from the Military Technical Academy in 1993, obtained his master’s degree in 1999 and a PhD in 2003. He completed the Advanced Security and Defence Studies in 2012. Until now, he has served as Vice Rector for Quality and Development at the Defence University.

Brigadier General Jovica Matić was born on December 6, 1976 in Zvornik. His professional military career started in 1999. He graduated from the Military Academy in 1999, completed specialist academic studies in 2009, Command and Staff Course in 2017, General Staff Course in 2019, and Advanced Security and Defence Studies in 2020. Until now, he has served as the Head of the Military Police Department, Serbian Armed Forces General Staff.

Brigadier General Mile Vitezović was born on February 6, 1971 in Užice. His professional military career started in 1994. He graduated from the Military Academy in 1994, completed the Command and Staff Course in 2008 and General Staff Course in 2013. He is the Head of the Telecommunications and IT Department (J-6), Serbian Armed Forces General Staff.

Brigadier General Gordan Pavlović was born on April 7, 1970 in Požarevac. His professional military career started in 1992. He graduated from the Air Force Military Academy in 1992, completed the Command and Staff Course in 2006 and the General Staff Course in 2011. He is the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Air Defence Command.

Brigadier General Siniša Stašević was born on December 17, 1971 in Tutin. His professional military career started in 1994. He graduated from the Military Academy in 1994, completed the Command and Staff Course in 2007 and the General Staff Course in 2014. He is the Second Army Brigade Commander.

Brigadier General Slavko Rakić was born on January 31, 1976 in Bihać. His professional military career started in 2000. He graduated from the Military Technical Academy in 2000, obtained his master's degree in 2006 and a PhD in 2018. He is the Head of the Defence Technologies Department at the Material Resources Sector, Ministry of Defence.

Brigadier General Muharem Fazlić was born on October 4, 1969 in Sjenica. His professional military career started in 1992. He graduated from the Military Academy in 1992, completed the Command and Staff Course in 2007 and the General Staff Course in 2011. Until now, he has served as the Chief of Staff of the Training Command HQ.

Colonel Predrag Kraljević was born on October 9, 1969 in Imotski. His professional military career started in 1992. He graduated from the Military Technical Academy in 1992, completed the Command and Staff Course in 2005 and the General Staff Course in 2010. He served as the Chief of Staff to the Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff.

Colonel Dragan Arsenijević was born on April 20, 1971 in Belgrade. His professional military career started in 1994. He graduated from the Military Academy in 1994, completed specialist academic studies in 2006 and the General Staff Course in 2020. He served as the Deputy Commander of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade.

Colonel Milan Lazić was born on March 21, 1971 in Požega. His professional military career started in 1995. He graduated from the Military Academy in 1995, completed the Command and Staff Course in 2009 and the General Staff Course in 2020. He served as the Head of the Department for Operational and General Affairs at the Military Police Department, Serbian Armed Forces General Staff.