08.03.2010.
Interview of Brig. Gen. Mladen Vuruna, Head of MA
Brig. Gen. Mladen Vuruna, Head of MA in an interview to “Alo” daily speaks of the 160th anniversary of the Military Academy stating that this is something many countries would be proud of, as it is “a noteworthy history”.
This is why this jubilee would be marked in a special manner.WE are preparing a ceremonious academy which is to take place in JDP (Yugoslav Drama Theatre) on 18 March and will be broadcast live n the national TV (RTS). W will try to present the academy in an interesting way, to show what it was and what it is today,. We expect the top state officials to be there.
To what extent are the new cadets trained in modern technologies and not in classical military skills?
- The material basis of MA has been significantly improved, and we have enabled our cadets to get a good grounding in modern technologies and complex military operations, which also involve civilian institutions. Of course, classical military skills have still their place in the military education. An officer of XXI century is also a warrior who has to be trained to build and to establish peace.
Recent accreditation is another of MA’s accomplishments in the last year. What does that mean for future cadets?
- It means that at the end of their studies they will get a diploma acknowledged outside the state, and will get two qualifications-that of an officer and an engineer. This also opens the path for their further academic career and professional career all for the needs of SAF.
Since your specialty is close cooperation between military schools, how does MA rank?
- MA participates in the work of the conference of the commanders of the NATO Defense College in Rome and in the Central European forum for higher education. We have established excellent cooperation with the defense Academy of UK, MA in France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia. Our cadets have visited many schools from USA to Turkey while also being hosts to their foreign colleagues.
A politically intriguing issue is that of our possible NATO membership. What do our cadets know of this alliance?
- They learn about everything what this Alliance was, what it is and its development. Many cadets and officers in the School of National Defense visited NATO institutions in Brussels, Mons and Naples.
What is your personal opinion?
- It is clear that we understand what NATO membership entails and brings. None of us relies on emotions or personal opinion when it comes to such important decisions.
How would you assess the work of the minister of defense and has MA the ministry’s support?
- During Minister Sutanovac’s term we started very delicate and complex activities in SAF and the defense system in general which affect the future and our growth. Some activities have been finalized, while other are in the process of being finalized successfully. Minister stresses the importance of M, frequently visits it, talks to cadets and the employees, which is a new approach which takes on a new quality in the approach so far.
Poet in uniform
Your CV states that you write poems. An officer and a poet, how do these two mix together?
- I used to write poetry, now I just read it. Matica Srpska published my book of poems "Pleme” (the Tribe) and a book of stories ‘Mirrors”. My stories have also been listed in several anthologies.
