21.09.2013.

Soldiers and cadets of the MA and reserve officers' school listeners pledge allegiance

In Valjevo barracks " Zivojin Misic " a new generation of soldiers on voluntary military service pledged allegiance.

In the presence of Defense Minister Nebojsa Rodic, Commander of the Training Command Major General Djokica Petrovic , representatives of the Serbian Army, Ministry of Defence and the Interior, the local community, the Serbian Orthodox Church, relatives and friends, the military oath of allegiance was also taken by the listeners of the School for Reserve Officers and the VMA vet service " September 2013 " together with the 138th class of the Military Academy cadets.

Congratulating them on their solemn act , the defense minister Nebojsa Rodic said it was a special day in their lives which they will remember and retell their grandchildren, stating that he was honored to address them since they are committed to serving their country with honor thus continuing our rich history and military tradition .

- This is the third year that, since the professionalization of our armed forces started, you take this oath in

this way. I am sure that the words spoken here today will forever be remembered in your hearts and carried through because you have proven to serve the noble cause, the safety and reputation of our motherland.

Defence Minister said that the oath as the willingness to sacrifice their country has existed since 1334, and that Dusan's Code, 15 years later had a provision defining this ceremony.

- There are many similarities in these oaths with everything you just said , pledging your loyalty to their homeland. You have uttered your oath, which if not taken seriously is a curse. This curse may befall all those who do not comply with what they said, referring to their honor. And honor, according to Socrates, is the diamond on the ring of virtue and there is no greater virtue than to be honest , and the honorable ones took an oath.

Minister recalled that the Serbian Army is proud of the confidence felt by the citizens of Serbia , which is reflected in the large number of candidates applying for admission to military schools, the numbers increasing from year to year.

- This has created thousands of job vacancies for the citizens of Serbia , boys and girls, who have recognized their ambitions in the military uniform. Almost six times more candidates than was anticipated applied for voluntary service in September.

Congratulating the oath to the soldiers cadets and listeners , the Defence Minister said that the Serbian Army is now an indispensable factor of stability in the country and the region, but also an important factor for scientific and technological development .

- Our army has carried out a number of exercises at home and abroad, helping citizens in emergency situations, and participation in the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations and the European Union , has significantly contributed to achieving external - political interests of our country. We must do all in our power in the most effective way to maintain existing, build new military capabilities and equip the Army of Serbian with modern combat systems so as to build and improve the overall combat potential of our country.

Congratulating the pledge of allegiance to youngest voluntary military service , military academy cadets and students of the School for Reserve Officers in the " Vojvoda Petar Bojovic " in Leskovac , Chief of the General Ljubisa Dikovic said that uttering words of the oath means that they have inscribed them in their hearts, confirming that they have matured into serious , responsible and honest citizens of Serbia their parents , friends and country can be proud of.

- This military oath means that this pledge to your country will make sure that your patriotism will win over all personal weaknesses at times of crisis, but the oath means sanctity. The days in service may pass, after a few months or your whole professional career may be over, but the military oath is binding for a lifetime - said General Dikovic .

He also pointed out that the officers, youngest soldiers, commanders, and instructors make an effort to empower them in military skills and ways that Serbia deserves. He told them to be persistent and disciplined , courageous and honest and to share their concerns with their superiors, because they will offer them advice and help.

To cadets of the Military Academy Gen Ljubisa Dikovic adressed with following words- Try to stay in the units of the Army of Serbia to learn more about

military life , to master military skills and acquire military habits . Know that people are the greatest treasure and most precious resource in each country and the military, as quality people make quality institution . Keep in mind that knowledge and education in the modern world are often the most powerful weapon, and always a prerequisite for victory.

The Chief of the General Staff confirmed that the Serbian Army remains committed to enhancing its operational capabilities and focused on performing basic tasks, the defence of the country being the most sacred duty.

- We will do everything to make the level of competence a military worthy of respect. Equipping our military with the latest weapons and military equipment, and relying on the productive capacities of the domestic defense industry is an essential task for the future - said the General Dikovic.

He pointed out that we were continuing military cooperation with all countries that want to recognize interest to accept our hand. Thus contributing to a better position in the Serbian international level and influencing the development of good-neighborly and friendly relations with many countries worldwide.

- We will always be there for people, because it is a long tradition of Serbian Army militiamen . The citizens of Serbia are our source, and their safety is our reason for being - said Chief of General Staff Ljubisa Diković at a ceremony in Leskovac barracks .

The ceremony in Leskovac was attended by the Chief of Staff Training Command , Brigadier General Jelisije Radivojevic, head of the intelligence and reconnaissance operations general Slavoljub Janicijevic, Brigadier General and Chief of the General Staff Military Police Brigadier General Dejan Jankovic , Mayor of Leskovac Goran Cvetanovic , Head of Jablanica District Vladan Marinkovic representatives of local governments that belong to the district , as well as representatives of the Police Department and the Department of Leskovac emergency .

Major General Goran Radovanovic, deputy commander of the Joint Operations Command congratulated to September's generation of soldiers on voluntary military service, at the first training center, in the " Airport " in Sombor the pledge of allegiance.

The ceremony was attended by the State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Zoran

Djordjevic, Chief of the Training and Doctrine Command , Brigadier General Goran Zekovic, deputy operations command of the Training Command Colonel Dragoslav Sladakovic , commander of the First center Lt Col Lazar Ostojic , Sombor Mayor Nemanja Delic, Deputy Mayor of Apatin Milan Skrbic and Vice President of the Odzaci muncipality Milivoje Pavlovic.

General Radovanovic told the soldiers that the military pledge binds for life and its words turn citizens of Serbia into mature people, whose sacred honor is to be Serbian . He pointed out that the professionalization of the Army has created a modern defense system, according to contemporary challenges, and that this ceremony is an opportunity to make sure that the youth of Serbia has not forgotten its tradition .