Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia
 
17.06.2026.

Ministers Gašić, Mesarović present employment opportunities to citizens of Niš



Following the Serbian Armed Forces Information Day recently held in Zrenjanin, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović met today at the Officers’ Club in Niš with citizens interested in employment opportunities within the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces.
During the event, employment opportunities, working conditions, and professional development opportunities were presented, and it was highlighted that the state’s goal was to present the opportunities offered by the defence system to all interested citizens and to offer them secure, stable, and well-paid jobs within it.

The Serbian Armed Forces are not only about wearing a uniform and doing military service, Minister Gašić said, but they also represent a complex system requiring strong infrastructure and logistical support. According to him, the Serbian Armed Forces have highly qualified personnel, but shifts in the security environment require that the organization and structure of the military adjust to new circumstances. The Minister of Defence underscored the importance of information technology and artificial intelligence, whose role in today’s functioning and development of the military is increasingly significant. As a result, information technology professionals capable of keeping pace with the rapid development of new systems and technological solutions are in demand in the Serbian Armed Forces.

Regarding the status of Serbian Armed Forces personnel, Minister Gašić said that salaries had been significantly increased compared to the previous period and were now above the national average. In addition to their basic salary, service members are entitled to additional compensation related to housing allowance, per diems, deployment in the Ground Safety Zone, overtime work, and other benefits.
He also noted that the amendments to the Law on the Serbian Armed Forces, adopted at the end of last year, have created more favourable conditions for the recruitment of professional soldiers. Candidates up to the age of 35 who enter employment as contract soldiers may, after completing their initial three-year contract, be offered permanent employment, thus becoming entitled to all rights governed by an open-ended employment contract. Addressing the citizens, Minister Gašić said that the state would continue to increase the number of professional soldiers, providing them with opportunities for career advancement, promotion to non-commissioned officer ranks, and further professional development within the defence system.

According to Minister Gašić, Niš, which is the centre of southern Serbia, is particularly important for the further development of the defence system and the creation of new jobs. Barracks and military installations located in Niš, Prokuplje, Pirot, Leskovac, Vranje, and Base South represent significant potential for employment and the development of the entire region, he said.

Referring to the staffing needs of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, the Minister of Defence emphasized the armed forces’ need for professionals from a wide range of fields and professions. The occupations currently in demand include cooks, barbers, tailors, electricians, water and sewage network operatives, painters, steam boiler operators, central heating installers, drivers, car locksmiths, auxiliary workers, food service workers, and hospital attendants.
Among the occupations in demand are mechanics, electro-mechanical technicians, technical and operational support personnel, checkpoint operators, operators of various systems, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and administrative staff. The Serbian Armed Forces also need data processing and data entry operators, financial clerks, and managers of work units. The defence industry has demand for numerous skilled trades, including locksmiths, electricians, metalworkers, toolmakers, and milling machine operators. Interested candidates will have the opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge and certifications through the Serbian Armed Forces system, which will help them secure employment in positions such as boiler operators and drivers, Minister Gašić underscored.

The importance of the Military Technical Institute was also highlighted, as it provides numerous opportunities for researchers and engineers from various technical fields, including aviation, mechanical engineering, and technology. The importance of the development of military healthcare was also highlighted, with an announcement that a comprehensive reconstruction of the Military Hospital would be carried out during the coming year. It was stated that further enhancements of the system would require additional nurses and doctors, and recruitment competitions for these positions have already been announced.

Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović emphasized the state’s continuous efforts to create new employment opportunities and more competitive jobs. She explained that the purpose of the event was to present citizens with the opportunities offered by the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces. According to her, efforts have been made in recent years to strengthen the defence system and create jobs that were previously unavailable, and the reintroduction of conscription will create additional employment opportunities. She particularly highlighted the strong interest among young people in employment opportunities, and noted that the ability to choose among different employers was a sign of economic development and a stronger labour market.
Mayor of Niš Dragoslav Pavlović said it was his honour to welcome the ministers and representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces to Niš, stressing that the military profession represents duty, honour, and dignity. He called on his young fellow citizens to consider a career within the defence system, as it offers opportunities for secure employment and professional development.

Milan Bosnić, director of the National Employment Service, stated that the Serbian Armed Forces Information Day was an opportunity for citizens to learn about employment opportunities within the defence system. He emphasized that, in the age of rapid technological, social, and geopolitical changes, job security is becoming increasingly important. According to him, the Serbian Armed Forces are not only about the uniform; they are a complex system that, alongside soldiers, includes numerous logistics, support, and maintenance services necessary for their successful functioning.
 
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