08.05.2026.

Minister Gašić attends oath-taking ceremony for special forces candidates

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended today’s military ceremony at the Field Marshal Živojin Mišić barracks in Valjevo, where candidates for admission to the special units of the Serbian Armed Forces formally took the oath of enlistment as professional soldiers.

Congratulating the candidates on taking the oath, Minister Gašić said that the words they had uttered, pledging their honour to fulfilling the duty of defending their country and people, will stay with them for the rest of their lives. He also said that through this act, they had demonstrated the highest degree of maturity and patriotic responsibility.

- Anyone who swears to defend their country, if needed, and confront any force that threatens it, no matter how great, deserves honour and respect. Such people are worthy of the trust and affection that the Serbian people so generously place in the Serbian Armed Forces. Keep in mind that our citizens’ strong feelings for this institution were not earned by us who make up the defence system today. It is the legacy of all the men and women who wore the uniform over the past decades and centuries, who risked and laid down their lives so that our children could be born in a free country. Prove yourselves worthy of them so that one day, on special occasions such as this, our descendants may speak your names and remember your deeds with the same admiration and respect – the Minister of Defence said.

He emphasized that the candidates’ decision to apply for the elite special units shows that they had set a very high standard for personal achievement.

- Earning the right to wear their insignia on your shoulders, as well as the maroon or red beret - is no easy task. It is a thorny path marked by obstacles and sacrifice, but the status and honour awaiting you at the end are immense. The path you have chosen sends a universal message that applies to all fields of human endeavour, regardless of the times or generational differences, that elite title and status can only be attained through hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. That is why it is important that you never lose sight of the goal that brought you here, because it will guide you like a beacon even in the most challenging moments - Minister Gašić said.

Addressing the young men and women, the Minister of Defence said he was confident that they understood how much attention the state leadership had devoted over the past decade to strengthening the Serbian Armed Forces.

- The military you are joining today is incomparably different from the one that existed just over a decade ago, in terms of technology, manpower, infrastructure, and most importantly, the care devoted to the living and working conditions of its personnel. Today, the state sees you and values your dedication and sacrifice. Unlike in some earlier periods, the state now takes care of your social status and makes sure that you begin your training and every assignment properly equipped. Therefore, it is your duty now to successfully complete your training and earn the title of member of special forces, and then continue to improve yourselves so that, in the years ahead, you can become the fittest and the most capable part of our armed forces, the sharpest warning and the firmest response to any potential enemy of our country and our people – Minister Gašić emphasized.

Minister Gašić had a special message for the candidates’ parents and relatives.

- I share your joy and your pride. As a father and grandfather, as a person with considerable life experience, I know that our children’s accomplishments bring us even greater joy than our own successes. You have every right to be proud of your sons and daughters, because today, by joining the Serbian Armed Forces, they have shown their readiness to serve their fatherland. Continue to give them strength and moral support through their personal and professional challenges, just as you were their role models and educators during their childhood – said the Minister of Defence, emphasizing that the message sent from Valjevo today is one of strength and peace.

Closing his remarks, the Minister of Defence described Serbia as “a country of dignified people, honest workers, farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, exceptional athletes and artists, a country of good hosts which extends a hand of cooperation to all who treat us with respect and goodwill.”

- Serbia can also be a country of warriors if anyone, God forbid, should ever seek to subjugate or oppress us by force. We are willing, capable, and equipped to defend ourselves. We have already shown that to everyone and we will continue to do so in the future. Today’s ceremony is proof of my words, proof that Serbia’s youth understand and respect their freedom. May free and dignified Serbia, and its brave armed forces, live forever – Minister Gašić said.

The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the 72^nd Special Operations Brigade, Brigadier General Miroslav Talijan, Commander of the 63^rd Parachute Brigade, Brigadier General Aleksandar Stupar, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Nikola Matović, Sergeant Major of the Serbian Armed Forces, SGM Goran Đukić, His Grace Isihije, Bishop of Valjevo, representatives of state institutions, local self-government, companies, associations, and numerous relatives and friends.