Taking the oath of enlistment

The September generation of soldiers on voluntary military service, first-year cadets of the Military Academy and the Military Medical Academy as well as students of the Reserve Officers Course took their oath today in the First Training Centre in Sombor and in Vojvoda Zivojin Misic barracks in Valjevo and Vojvoda Petar Bojovic barracks in Leskovac.

In Valjevo barracks Vojvoda Zivojin Misic, in the presence of Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces General Ljubisa Dikovic, Deputy Commander of the Training Command Brigadier General Jelesije Radivojevic, Head of Logistics Department Brigadier General Zeljko Ninkovic, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, the local community, relatives and friends a new generation of soldiers on voluntary military service, 219 men and 35 women, took the solemn oath today.

In the second training centre, the military oath was also taken by 25 cadets of the 7th class of the Military Medical Academy, 13 participants of the course for reserve officers of the MMA medical service and a professional soldier from the formation of the Logistics Department.

Congratulating them on the ceremonial act, Chief of the General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic told them that, with this act, they had solemnly vowed that they would be ready to fight for Serbia and to defend it. Speaking of military virtues and the importance of the oath taking, Chief of General Staff said that those who were there today would become assured that the military career is not easy and that it demands one’s full commitment, but that they should remember that a well-trained soldier, which they they would become when they master all the contents of training, under the watchful eye of officers, in a good unit, which our units are is the best guarantor of security of the country.

Addressing the parents of the soldiers, participants of courses for reserve officers and cadets, General Dikovic said that "today we are together the proudest people in Serbia," because their children had grown into responsible people who know true values, love their country and are willing to, as members of the Army, invest themselves, their hard work, sweat and knowledge into training for defence and security of the Republic of Serbia.

– As long as there are such children and youth, our Serbia has a future – Chief of General Staff said and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to strengthen the Serbian Armed Forces and conducting of tasks that the country had assigned to it, in accordance with the glorious military tradition which adorns us.

In the second Training Centre, the oath was taken by a total of 230 men and 63 women, who were congratulated at the ceremony by the closest relatives and friends that filled the training ground of Valjevo barracks Zivojin Misic.

Cadets of the 140th class of the Military Academy, the September generation of soldiers on voluntary military service and one professional soldier took the oath today in the "Vojvoda Petar Bojovic" barracks in Leskovac. The ceremony was attended by State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Nenad Neric, Training Command Commander Major General Djokica Petrovic, MoD and SAF representatives, representatives of state institutions, local authorities, the Church and numerous relatives and friends of the soldiers and cadets.

Secretary of State Neric said that today's solemn act was an entry into the line of those who carry the fatherland of Serbia in their heart, willing to fight for it, to defend it and defend it with courage, honour, unwaveringly and in a military way.

According to him, the military oath in Serbia has a long history, of which of the soldiers and citizens of Serbia are equally proud.

– In an effort to keep pace with the modern armies of the world, we do not forget the military traditions of our nation and we keep the memory of the glorious ancestors whose heroism and feats impress the world – the State Secretary said and recalled that the cadets and soldiers have now become a part of the Serbian Armed Forces, the institution in which the citizens of our country's believe the most.

Mayor of Leskovac Goran Cvetanovic congratulated the young men and women who had been sworn in and said that they were facing "one of the most important periods in their life."

The oath was taken by 130 cadets, 95 soldiers on voluntary military service and one professional soldier.

In Sombor barracks "Airport", 334 soldiers, cadets and participants took their military oath today. The ceremony in the city was attended by Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Jovica Draganic, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Zoran Djordjevic, representatives of the Ministry of the Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, of the local government, churches, companies and educational organizations, as well as many relatives and friends of soldiers, cadets and participants.

Congratulating them on the oath taking, General Draganic said that given the loyalty to the oath, patriotism, firmness of character, personal honesty and most conscientious performance of military duty were the virtues that should adorn every member of the Serbian Armed Forces.

– May the military oath fill you with pride and dignity, and further strengthen your love for Serbia – General Draganic said.

Soldier on voluntary military service Aleksa Denic from Krusevac, who took the oath to his homeland today before the Chief of General Staff said he was happy and proud of it.

– I'd really like to get a job in the Serbian Armed Forces as well, I have always dreamed about it, to do my job honourably and give my contribution to the defence and security of the country. His father Momcilo excitedly pointed out that his "heart is as big as a house with pride today" and that he was so happy so that words could not even describe it.

Milan Stefanovic from Kursumlija said that he had always dreamed to be a part of the Serbian Armed Forces, and that today he was very nervous “because of everything".

– It is a special feeling, which cannot be put into words, but my grandfather, mother, brother and other family members are here to support me and encourage me. Milan's mother Zorica said that having a son in the Armed Forces was "a beautiful thing".

– Not only to my son but to all young people, who have now in a sense become adults, I wish for all their wishes at work and in private life to be fulfilled.