Training of Civilian Candidates for Initial NCO Roles
Tuesday, 20.1.2026 | Training
At the NCO Training Center “Sergeant Milunka Savić” in Pančevo, the six-month training of civilian candidates for NCO roles in the Serbian Armed Forces is underway.
Currently, the second training module, out of the three planned, is being implemented, during which candidates acquire knowledge and leadership skills needed to command a squad.
Course participants perform the tasks related to close-order, firearms, tactical and physical training, as well as military topography, methodically learning to command a team, group and squad, and train soldiers on military service and future NCO candidates.
Second Lieutenant Veljko Veselinović, commander of the instructor team at the NCO Training Center, says that the aim of the course is acquiring basic knowledge for initial NCO roles, as well as learning to handle the most modern assets used by the Serbian Armed Forces.
— The first module lasts three weeks and is designed to train candidates to perform basic military duties. The second module lasts five weeks and is intended to train candidates for commanding a group, that is, for performing the role of a firing squad commander. The third module is designed to last seventeen weeks and is intended to train candidates to perform their specialist duties, as sergeants, that is, the youngest NCOs of the Serbian Armed Forces - said 2nd Lt Veselinović.
Course participant Stefan Marković says that he was attracted to the NCO Course by his desire to become a member of the Serbian Armed Forces, but also by the opportunity to become a NCO after intensive training that requires not only good physical preparation, but also exceptional motivation when passing theoretical exams.
— To me personally, topography is the most interesting part, since I had some experience with it as a mountaineer, and I also have certain prior knowledge that I am ready to share with my classmates — said course participant Marković.
Danijela Tomić, another course participant, says that she decided to join the military because she wanted to repay her country, and saw the NCO course as an opportunity to realize her life’s dream, that is, to become a non-commissioned officer of the Serbian Armed Forces.
After successfully completing the second training phase, candidates are expected to undergo specialist training at the training centers and units of the Serbian Armed Forces, which concludes with an internship at appropriate workplaces, where they will put into action the acquired theoretical knowledge. Those who master successfully all planned contents during the training will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and join the ranks of professional members of the Serbian Armed Forces.
