Candidates for Special Units Take Military Oath
Friday, 8.5.2026 | Stories from Units
Candidates for admission to professional military service as professional soldiers in the Serbian Armed Forces special units took the military oath today at the “Vojvoda Živojin Mišić” barracks in Valjevo.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić, His Grace Bishop Isihije of Valjevo, commanders of the Serbian Armed Forces special brigades, representatives of state institutions, local government, companies and associations, as well as relatives and friends of the young men and women who took the oath today.
Congratulating the candidates on taking the oath, Minister Gašić said that the words by which they pledged their honor to the fulfillment of their duty to defend their country and people would remain with them throughout their lives, and that by this act they had demonstrated the highest level of human maturity and patriotic responsibility.
“Anyone who swears that, if necessary, they will stand in defense of the homeland and confront any force that threatens it, no matter how great, is worthy of honor and respect. They are worthy of the trust and love that the Serbian people so generously bestow upon the Serbian Armed Forces. Bear in mind that this strong sentiment of the citizens towards our institution is least of all the merit of those of us who make up the defense system today. It is the legacy of all those men and women who, for decades and centuries, wore military uniforms, who risked and gave their lives so that our children could be born in a free country. Be worthy of them, so that one day, on solemn occasions, our descendants may speak your deeds and your names with admiration and respect,” said the Minister of Defense.
He emphasized that the candidates’ decision to apply for admission to the elite special units shows that they have set the bar of personal achievement very high.
“Earning their shoulder insignia, the maroon or red beret, is not easy. It is a thorny path, full of obstacles and sacrifice, but the status and honor awaiting you at the end are immense. Your choice sends a universal message, equally applicable to all fields of human endeavor, regardless of the spirit of the times or generational differences — that elite rank and status can be achieved only through effort, hard work and sacrifice. That is why it is important that you never lose sight of the goal that brought you here, because, like a beacon, it will guide you in the right direction even in the greatest trials,” Minister Gašić emphasized.
The Minister of Defense said he was certain that the candidates were aware of how much attention the state leadership had devoted over the past decade to strengthening the Serbian Armed Forces.
“The military whose ranks you are joining today and the military of just over ten years ago differ incomparably in terms of technical and technological equipment, strength, infrastructure and, most importantly, care for the living and working conditions of its members. Today, the state sees you and clearly values your effort and sacrifice. Today, unlike in some past times, the state cares about your social status and ensures that you set out for training and every other task excellently equipped. Your task, therefore, is to successfully complete the training and earn the title of member of the special units, and then to continue improving yourselves so that, in the years ahead, you may become the most prepared and most capable part of our military, the strongest warning and the most decisive response to any potential enemy of our state and our people,” Minister Gašić emphasized.
The Minister addressed a special message to the candidates’ parents and relatives.
“I share your joy and pride. As a father and grandfather, as a man with considerable life experience, I know that the achievements of our children bring greater joy than our own successes in life. You have the right to be proud of your sons and daughters, because today, by joining the ranks of the Serbian Armed Forces, they have shown that they have placed themselves in the service of the homeland. Be their support and moral strength in the life and professional challenges ahead, just as you were good role models and educators to them as they were growing up,” said the Minister of Defense, emphasizing that today a message of strength and peace is being sent from Valjevo.
At the end of his address, the Minister of Defense said that Serbia is “a country of dignified people, honest workers, farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs, top athletes and artists, a country of good hosts whose hands of cooperation are extended to all those who treat us with respect and good intentions.”
“Serbia can be a country of warriors, should anyone, God forbid, seek to subjugate and oppress us by force. We want to defend ourselves, we know how to defend ourselves, and we have the means to do so. We have shown this to everyone so far. We will show it in the future as well. And today’s ceremony is proof of my words, proof that Serbian youth know and respect their freedom. May free and dignified Serbia and its brave military live forever,” Minister Gašić concluded.
