20.01.2026.

Candidates recruited from civilian backgrounds in training for initial NCO duties

Candidates recruited from civilian backgrounds are currently undergoing a six-month training at the Sergeant Milunka Savić NCO Training Centre in Pančevo, in preparation for their future NCO roles within the Serbian Armed Forces.

The second of three planned training modules is currently underway, during which candidates develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to command squad-level units.

Course participants practise close-order drill, receive firearms, tactical, physical, and military topography training, learning to command a team, group and squad and to deliver instruction to future military volunteers and NCO candidates.

Second Lieutenant Veljko Veselinović, commander of a team of instructors at the NCO Training Centre, says that the aim of the course is to provide recruits with the basic knowledge necessary for initial NCO roles, as well as to teach them to handle state-of-the-art equipment in service in the Serbian Armed Forces.

— The first module lasts three weeks and is designed to teach candidates to perform basic military duties. The second module lasts five weeks and is intended to train candidates for commanding a group, that is, for performing the role of a rifle squad commander. The third module, designed to last seventeen weeks, aims to train candidates to perform their specialist duties, as sergeants, that is, the youngest NCOs of the Serbian Armed Forces - said 2nd Lt Veselinović.

Stefan Marković, one of the course participants, says that he was motivated to join the NCO Course by his desire to become a member of the Serbian Armed Forces, but also by the opportunity to become an NCO after intensive training that requires both good physical preparation and strong motivation when sitting theoretical exams.

— To me personally, topography is the most interesting part, since I had some experience with it as a mountaineer, and I also have some prior knowledge that I am ready to share with my classmates — said Marković.

Danijela Tomić, another course participant, decided to join the military because she wanted to repay her country and saw the NCO course as an opportunity to fulfil her life’s dream, that is, to become a non-commissioned officer of the Serbian Armed Forces.

After successfully completing the second training phase, candidates proceed to specialized training at training centres and units of the Serbian Armed Forces, which culminates in an internship at designated positions, where they will put to practice the acquired theoretical knowledge. Those who successfully complete all planned training activities will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and join the ranks of professional members of the Serbian Armed Forces.