03.07.2009.

Minister awards sabres to the graduates of 55th class of Command College

On occasion of the graduation of 55th class of the Command College, National Defense School, was held today in the School of National Defense building in Topcider.

The ceremony was attended by 40 SAF officers, two from B&H and one from the People’s Republic of China, Minister of Defense Dragan Sutanovac, Deputy Chief of SAF GS LTG, Head of MA Major General Vidosav Kovacevic, the representatives of the diplomatic crops of China in Serbia, numerous professors, relatives and commanders.

On behalf of the President of Serbia, Minister of Defense presented sabers with inscription to the top three cadets Zivica Ognjanov (GPA 9.92), Miroslav Opojic (9.45) and Bozidar Colic (9.36). Head of the Military Academy, General Kovacevic presented diplomas to the graduates, while Minister presented parade daggers to the members of foreign forces-Major Gi Yang and majors of B&H armed forces Mirko Bosnjak and Vladimir Grujic.

The youngest generation of the Command College students had the opportunity to prepare for new duties by acquiring new skills and knowledge as well as by informing themselves on the needs and problems within the system. This means their preparedness for the continuation of the reforms of the defense system and for building a modern, effective army, which can successfully carry out its tasks and missions.

The fact that the Military Academy has received accreditation in March this year as a university level institution integrated into the university system of Serbia enabled you to implement your skills in other segments of the society.

Sutanovac also added that the reforms and conceptualizing the modern Serbian army are conditions to democratization and stability of the Serbian society as well as key elements of peace and stability in the region and Europe.

- The system of defense has a great significance for Serbia in terms of potential in foreign policy, which creates partners and ensures growth of our country. I am certain that despite the current economic crisis we will be able to achieve our goals with respect to the defense system reforms and create a modern army. I hope our army will become an equal partner in preserving peace in the world thus contributing to the democratic growth of our country, as Minister Sutanovac concluded.

On behalf of the students of 55th Command College class, Zivica Ognjanov said that without trained officers there cannot be a trained army.

On behalf of foreign students, the guests were greeted by SI Gi Yang from China who spent two years in Serbia.

In the words of Dean of the the College Colonel Vitomir Stankovic, the specialization of 55th generation started on 1 September last year , and the average grade is 8.89, which is one of the best generation average grades in the history of this school. They passes ten exams, and defended their final paper, while also obtaining an ECDL certificate. 13 attendees had the necessary level of knowledge of English to pass STANAG 6001.

The lecturers included the defense minister of Serbia, SAF GS Chief, Head of MA, Chief of the People’s Liberation Army of China, the representatives of George Marshal Center, reps of the Serbian Government, renowned military experts from Great Britain, Ambassador of Germany in Belgrade, Norwegian State Secretary and former ambassador of our country in Germany.

The next generation will study under the new accredited programs.