20.03.2026.
Minister Gašić attends oath-taking ceremony in Leskovac
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended today the oath-taking ceremony held at the Field Marshal Petar Bojović Barracks in Leskovac. The oath was taken by the March 2026 class of military service volunteers, candidates seeking admission to professional military service, and participants in the Reserve Officer Course.
At the ceremony, Minister Gašić said that “the future of Serbia has gathered here today, its youth, its beauty, its strength, and its virtue”, and added that each of them had brought with them their own dreams, hopes, knowledge, personal experiences, and memories. He stressed that each of them represents a unique spiritual and intellectual makeup, a unique combination of talents and potential, and that what unites the rich mosaic of their individual qualities into a single, monumental whole is a shared moral code - the Minister of Defence emphasized.- In a time of growing alienation and indifference toward anything beyond personal comfort and ambition, these young men and women have chosen to place the collective good and the good of Serbia above their own comfort. The freedom and security of a country and its people are the highest collective good. This is the soil into which we sow the seeds of all our hopes for a peaceful, free, and prosperous future – the Minister of Defence emphasized.
He noted that criticisms of younger generations, suggesting they are not far-sighted or committed enough, have at times been too harsh. - In the echo of their oath, we heard something else. We heard pride. We heard conviction that Serbia is strong. We heard resolve to protect our country as living space, as a heritage, and as something sacred – Minister Gašić stressed.
Addressing the military service volunteers, candidates seeking admission to professional military service, and the participants in the Reserve Officer Course, he said that by taking solemn oath, they had earned a distinguished place on the moral ladder of our society.
- Being a soldier is not easy. Only those who have never served could say otherwise. The word soldier is synonymous with courage, discipline, and sacrifice – not for personal gain, but for the good of the people and the country. Those of you who have put on the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces today, at a time when service is not compulsory, deserve both recongition and admiration. Make sure to use the period ahead to gain as much knowledge and as many skills as possible from your commander and instructors. Be dedicated and productive. For many of you, the training ahead will be just an introduction to a professional military career, the first of many challenges to come. May you complete it in peace, in good health, and with success – the Minister of Defence said.Speaking to the parents of the soldiers who had taken the oath, Minister Gašić said they had every reason to feel proud of their children.
- You have raised good and responsible people. Your sons and daughters have chosen to serve their country. It is not an easy decision but it is honourable and deserves the utmost respect. Thank you for the support you give them, because without the strength of family, there can be neither a strong military nor a secure homeland – the Minister of Defence said.
In his speech, Minister Gašić highlighted that the Serbian Armed Forces are serious military power today. - It is certainly reassuring for our citizens, but there is also the fact that some in our region view the strengthening of our military and the recent acquisition of modern weapons and ordnance with concern. They should stop worrying. Serbia will continue to procure even better and more advanced weapons, but they will never be aimed at those who pose no threat. Today, your children have become part of that military, a strong, modern force that ensures anyone who attacks Serbia will fail. That “tough nut” is now even tougher to crack. This is why today is both a solemn and joyful day for all of us – the Minister of Defence said, congratulating the recruits on taking their oath.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Defence Minister’s and the Chief of the General Staff’s collegiums, representatives of state institutions, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the local government, businesses and associations, as well as numerous relatives and friends.
The commander of today’s ceremony was Colonel Dalibor Antonijević, Deputy Commander of the Third Training Centre. Private Stefan Stanojević from Niš, a graduate in Physical Education and Sports, has loved the military profession since childhood, so he wanted to combine those two passions and test his endurance. He sees himself in the future as a professional soldier in the Serbian Armed Forces.
- My family fully supported me because they knew about my idea and my childhood dream. My friends also supported me, viewing me as a professional, knowing my discipline in sports and my ambition – Private Stanojević said.
Reserve Officer Course graduate Nina Racić from Belgrade has worked in the defence system as a civilian for several years. Out of love for her country, she decided to repay the system that had already given her so much by taking on officer duties.- At first, of course, everyone has to adjust and be away from their family, but they also have to adapt to the pace and military discipline here. But after just a few days, not only I, but the rest of the class quickly settled in and began to see the positive aspects of this military discipline and lifestyle, so I would recommend it to everyone – said Racić, adding that her family, especially her husband, and friends were there today to support her and are extremely proud of her.
Veljko Milovanović from Lazarevac graduated from the College of Criminalistics and Security, and later completed postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Law. He then decided to further improve his knowledge by enrolling in the Reserve Officer Course, which he learned about through a friend. - I have to admit that from the very moment I told them I was going to apply for the Reserve Officer Course, my whole family supported me, as did my friends, especially my mother and father - Milovanović said, adding that nothing felt difficult because he knew what he was getting into. He encouraged young people in Serbia to apply for the reserve officer training programme.
Out of love for his country and following a family tradition, Private Ognjen Macura from Sombor applied for voluntary military service to build discipline, gain new knowledge and experience, and contribute to his homeland.
- My family and friends were thrilled with my decision to join the Serbian Armed Forces. They are extremely glad and supportive, and they believe this is the right path for me. I would encourage all young people to come and try it, because you can learn useful stuff. This is an experience you remember for the rest of your life – Private Macura said.
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