21.03.2009.

March generation of conscripts take the pledge

In the SAF Training Centres the March class soldiers took the pledge of allegiance to serve the country. The ceremony in Krusevac-based “Car Lazar” barracks was attended by Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac and the Chief of SAF GS LTG Miloje Miletic with their co-workers.

In his address, Minister Sutanovac stressed that Serbia should be a modern, democratically and economically developed country with strong institutions and priorities where human rights.

In order to make Serbia that kind of country, it has to have an army which is modern and which can respond to all challenges in XXI century and be the guarantor of stability as well as in the country as in the region. The last year posed many security challenges, the year when the security system was undergoing stabilization and reforms. It is obvious that we have made significant progress in all sectors of the MoD and SAF starting with improvements made to purchase of new military equipment. However, the one goal we set was to restore the good name of the Serbian Armed Forces and trust in the military profession and the whole system of defense. A significantly higher number of candidates enrolling the Military Academy and the Military Grammar School only serves to confirm that we have managed to restore reputation to our army.

In his congratulatory note, the minister’s message as this:
’’It is necessary to keep the whole system of defense stale, and your choice to serve the army in uniform and you taking this pledge adds to an overall stability."

In his address, Minister Sutanovac stated the following:

'Without you, none of these goals would be attainable. The year ahead will be significantly harder than the previous one, but that will nit be an excuse if reforms come to a standstill and if we allow the system to crumble. Each and every one of you is an important segment of the whole system and everyone should give his maximum at work next year as well. If we want to continue solving the pile of problems then you also have to do your share, and your primary concern is to take care of each and every soldier".

The Minister congratulated this day to all soldiers, families and relatives of soldiers as well as their girlfriends who attended the ceremony telling them they should be proud just as our forefathers were proud of us in the previous years.
Congratulating the youngest soldiers this Day, the Chief of SAF GS LTG Miloje Miletic told the young soldiers that by opting to serve their country under arms gave them an opportunity to handle modern arms and equipment.

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An increasingly higher number of youths opting to serve in SAF units and an obviously higher interest in the military profession bespeaks of the good course we have taken to implement changes. In line with the priorities and capabilities, tasked with this mission by top Government organs, we will increase the number of soldiers gradually. We will be admitting soldiers till all units are manned. The high number of soldiers signing up for service is a sign of trust which we will definitely try to live up to. The commanders gave their best to create optimal conditions in order to pass on their rich military. The high number of soldiers signing up for service is a sign of trust which we will definitely try to live up to. The commanders gave their best to create optimal conditions in order to pass on their rich military experience.

"As Chief of SAF GS, I expect from you to continue to advance your knowledge and to do your best thus contributing to the development of modern and effective army, said General Miletic, wishing the youngest generation of soldiers to serve their duty in peace.

The ceremony was also attended by the Training Command Commander Major General Aleksandar Zivkovic, commanders in Krusevac-based units, the Head of Rasina District Dragutin Veljkovic, Mayor of Krusevac Dragan Azdejkovic, and representatives of educational institutions, religious denominations, parents and friends of the youngest generation of conscripts.
These ceremonies were also organized in the Training Centres in Sombor, Jakovo, Pancevo, Valjevo, Leskovac and Zajecar.