18.03.2026.
Minister Gašić at Military Academy Day ceremony: Strong, well-trained, and modernly equipped military - most reliable guardian of peace
Today, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a ceremony marking Military Academy Day, held at the General Jovan Mišković Barracks in Belgrade.
Emphasizing that Military Academy Day is not only the holiday of a single institution, but a holiday celebrating knowledge, honour, and service to the homeland, the Minister of Defence said that the Military Academy continues Serbia’s military education tradition spanning nearly two centuries – “a tradition that shapes officers, forges military character, and upholds the values of military service”.- Generations of officers who defended Serbia’s freedom in the most challenging moments of our history had passed through its classrooms and training grounds. This institution has produced commanders and strategists, who through their knowledge, courage, and responsibility wrote glorious pages in our history. Their legacy forms the foundation upon which the modern Serbian Armed Forces stand today. The Military Academy is not merely a guardian of tradition. It is primarily a place where the future of our armed forces is shaped. In its lecture halls, future officers acquire the knowledge that shapes them. On its training grounds, they develop the skills required of confident and responsible commanders. In its laboratories and classrooms, ideas are born that advance military science and modern military practice – Minister Gašić said.
He stressed that throughout its history, Serbia has repeatedly shown that it values peace above all else.- Historical experience teaches us something else – that a strong, well-trained, and modernly equipped military is the most reliable guardian of that peace. And a strong military begins with knowledge. That is why the development of military education is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Defence. In the coming period, we will continue investing in the Military Academy, its infrastructure, modernization of teaching, and the advancement of military sciences and scientific research – the Minister of Defence stressed.
Minister Gašić told the cadets and students that an honourable, but also demanding path lies ahead of them.
- Being an officer is not only a profession. It is a service to the homeland. The Military Academy has a clear motto that best describes the essence of this calling: Honour is our Greatest Asset. Honour is the cornerstone of military profession. It is not inherited – it is earned and demonstrated every day. It is on this foundation that officers build the knowledge that gives them the strength to lead people, to make decisions, and to protect the interests of their country in every challenge. Therefore, an officer is not only a soldier. An officer is an example. An example of knowledge, responsibility, courage, and honour – Minister Gašić said. Concluding his address, the Minister of Defence commended the members of the Military Academy for their dedication, commitment, and contribution to strengthening the defence capabilities of the Republic of Serbia.
- I am confident that the Military Academy will continue to educate generations of officers who will wear the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces with pride and worthily safeguard the freedom of our homeland. Once again, congratulations on Military Academy Day. May knowledge, honour, and loyalty to Serbia always guide you in your service – for these are the values that form the strength of the Serbian Armed Forces and the security of our country – Minister Gašić said.The Commandant of the Military Academy, Major General Željko Furunžić, highlighted the significance of the long history of military education, noting that over the past year, the Military Academy achieved remarkable results thanks to the dedication of its instructors, cadets, and all members of staff.
- In the period ahead, the Military Academy will further improve the officer training process, building on the experience gained so far. Our priority remains the development of a highly skilled officer and NCO corps, but above all, the formation of good people and patriots who respect and love Serbia – said Major General Željko Furundžić, adding that while the Military Academy honours its traditions, it also follows the most modern standards of military education, without which successful training of future officers would not be possible.During today’s military ceremony, attended by members of the Defence Minister’s and the Chief of the General Staff’s collegiums, awards and commendations were presented to outstanding individuals in recognition of their exceptional dedication.
Military Academy Day is celebrated in remembrance of March 18, 1850, when Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević approved the establishment of the Artillery School, which trained officers for all branches of the Serbian army at that time.
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