Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia
 
17.10.2025.

Minister Gašić attends ceremony marking anniversary of “1300 Corporals” Secondary Vocational Military School



Today, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a ceremony marking the anniversary of “1300 Corporals” Secondary Vocational Military School, held at the Military Grammar School campus.
At the ceremony, the Minister of Defence said that Serbia, unlike most countries in the region, can proudly boast its long and rich tradition of secondary military education, and added that the need for training non-commissioned officers was recognized as early as the second half of the 19 century. He noted that special courses were initially established for their education and training, followed by the establishment of permanent NCO schools.

- On October 18, 1889, Official Military Gazette No. 38 published a decree issued by King Aleksandar I Obrenović, appointing infantry Major Jovan Kovačević, then commander of the 5th Guard Battalion, as the first head of the Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer School. The appointment of the first head of school, administrative staff, and teachers marked the beginning of the first formal educational institution for non-commissioned officers in the Kingdom of Serbia – emphasized Minister Gašić, adding that this school produced generations of highly skilled NCOs who played a key role in the Balkan Wars and the First World War.

He highlighted that large-scale NCO training only began after the ending of the two World Wars, specifically in 1950, and that Serbia even gained international recognition for training members of foreign armed forces. The Minister of Defence also said that, over time, specialized military schools offering various NCO programmes were established throughout the territory of the former country.

Addressing those present, Minister Gašić emphasized the important role of the NCO corps in the Serbian Armed Forces, stressing that the education and assignment of NCOs to appropriate duties is essential to the operational and functional capabilities of SAF units.
- Although the forms of NCO training have changed over time, based on the experience gained by the Serbian Armed Forces through working with the “1300 Corporals” Secondary Vocational Military School since its reactivation in 2015, it can be noted that the professionals produced by this military school are highly trained to perform entry-level NCO duties. Built on a strong foundation of tradition, combined with up-to-date teaching methods and technical resources, the school creates a new concept of NCO education. At this school, which operates under the umbrella of the Military Academy, special attention is given to general education, combined with comprehensive military and professional knowledge and skills. Furthermore, the school fosters the development of physical and psychological capabilities, as well as the moral values necessary for serving as a professional non-commissioned officer – said the Minister of Defence, emphasizing that the goal of NCO training is to produce responsible and professional non-commissioned officers who will join the ranks confident of their knowledge and skills, and ready to pursue continued professional development.

He noted that knowledge, capability, and a sense of responsibility are the values acquired by Serbian non-commissioned officers during their education at the Secondary Vocational Military School, and that these qualities are prerequisites for carrying out all assigned tasks. The Minister of Defence also emphasized that NCOs play a crucial role in the functioning of every unit of the Serbian Armed Forces, because they are a link between officers and the soldiers under their direct command.
- They safeguard traditions while lighting the military path for new generations, developing their courage, dedication, and loyalty to the homeland. Knowing that the true strength of the military lies in its people, this institution is committed to educating young people who, in addition to acquiring knowledge and skills, develop discipline, bravery, and an unshakable belief in the nobility of their calling. Dear members of the Secondary Vocational Military School, may this day remind you that you are the heirs to a rich tradition of those before you, but at the same time, you are the architects of the future of our country’s defence system – said Minister Gašić, extending his congratulations on the School’s anniversary.

The Head of the “1300 Corporals” School, Captain (Navy) Srđan Miljković, emphasized that the school trains and develops the character of young individuals who, upon graduation, will take up their entry-level NCO duties within the Serbian Armed Forces units, professionally qualified and highly motivated. He expressed pride in the school’s staff, and noted that today’s ceremony serves as an incentive for them to be even better and to contribute to strengthening the Serbian Armed Forces.
The ceremony was attended by the Rector of the Defence University, Brigadier General Prof. Boban Đorović, the Deputy Commander of the Training Command, Brigadier General Nebojša Cvetković, the Commandant of the Military Academy, Colonel Prof. Srđan Blagojević, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, as well as numerous distinguished guests.
 
photoPHOTOGALLERY
videoVIDEOGALLERY
17.10.2025
mp4 (414,4 MB)
Minister Gasic's address
17.10.2025
mp4 (84,27 MB)
Captain (Navy) Miljkovic's address
17.10.2025
mp4 (116,98 MB)
The ceremony