19.06.2026.
Class of June 2026 takes military oath in Leskovac, Minister Gašić attends
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended today the oath-taking ceremony of the June 2026 class of military service volunteers, held at the Field Marshal Petar Bojović Barracks in Leskovac.
Minister Gašić congratulated the soldiers on taking their oath, noting that they had made “an important and noble decision to put their time, knowledge, and strength to the service of the fatherland, to accept responsibilities and challenges of military service, and to proudly join the ranks of the Serbian Armed Forces.”- Today, they gave their word before the flag of the Republic of Serbia, a binding commitment that endures and does not yield before challenges. By taking the oath, they have joined the ranks of those who throughout history were prepared to serve their fatherland with courage and honour, and to defend it whenever it was needed - the Minister of Defence said.
He noted that their decision to join the ranks of the chosen ones carries special weight and deserves great respect.- In a time of growing tensions and conflicts around the world, you were not required to put on a uniform, but you chose to do so of your own free will. That is a testament to your awareness and sense of responsibility, and for that you have my deepest respect. Days of studying, hard work, and professional development are ahead of you. There will be moments when you will be asked to do more than you think you are capable of. It is precisely in those moments that you will discover the strength of character within you and feel the spirit of unity and belonging. The military develops skills and knowledge, but it also builds trust in people on whom Serbia can rely - Minister Gašić emphasized, expressing hope that the soldiers’ service would be guided by their love for Serbia, military honour, and the awareness that there is no greater privilege than serving one’s homeland.
The Minister of Defence noted that Serbia remains committed to independence and military neutrality, while proudly preserving peace.- This is only possible if our country remains strong and if it has a modern military ready to respond to all challenges. Unlike the period from 2000 to 2012, when the Serbian Armed Forces faced insufficient investment and neglect, we now have modern and well-equipped military. Thanks to the responsible state policy and strong support of the Supreme Commander and President of the Republic, Aleksandar Vučić, the Serbian Armed Forces continue to develop year after year and are ready to respond to new security and technological challenges. The results of responsible work and dedication will be presented as part of the celebration of the great holiday of Vidovdan, when the most advanced weapons and military equipment will be displayed at the military airfield in Batajnica and at the Pasuljanske Livade training area, and our service personnel will demonstrate their proficiency, determination, and readiness to defend Serbia at all times – Minister Gašić noted.
Addressing the soldiers’ parents, Minister Gašić said that they had been their children’s greatest support and strength, and thanked them for teaching their children to respect their country and to be prepared to take on responsibility in crucial moments.Concluding his address, he thanked the soldiers for making a decision worthy of the greatest respect and admiration, and told them to remain true to the oath they had taken, to tradition, and to their people.
The ceremony was attended by the Head of the Human Resources Department (J-1) of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, Brigadier General Slаđan Hristov, the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Nikola Matović, the Deputy Commander of the Training Command, Colonel Dragan Kužet, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, representatives of state institutions, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Jablanica Administrative District, local government officials, representatives of business organizations, as well as the soldiers’ numerous relatives and friends.
The commander of today’s ceremony was Lieutenant Colonel Dalibor Antonijević, Commander of the Third Training Centre.After the ceremony, Minister Gašić spoke with the soldiers’ families and friends and presented Ministry of Defence commemorative coins to the youngest guests.
Private Luka Jovićević from Kraljevo said that his decision to join the military was his response to the sacred call to serve the homeland, as well as a decades-long family tradition.
- My plan is to complete the six-month military training, and then join the Fifth Battalion in my hometown of Kraljevo - Private Jovićević said.Private Viktorija Veljković from Bujanovac noted that the military oath was not a mere formality or just words spoken, but a promise to serve the country honourably, consciously, and with discipline.
- The feeling after taking the oath is truly amazing. We feel pride, responsibility, and the awareness that we are becoming part of something greater than ourselves. I am really proud of myself and my fellow soldiers for joining military ranks as young, brave, and good people – Private Veljković said.Private Damjan Gojković from Novi Bečej said that during the training he had learned what true friendship and comradeship looked like and that thanks to discipline and the guidance of superiors, no challenge was insurmountable.
- For me, the most memorable moment is the oath-taking ceremony itself, the words we have spoken today, as well as our first firing practices in the field and at the firing range, because very few civilians can experience such moments - Private Gojković said.
Private Kristijan Kulundžić from Aranđelovac said that his entire family, his friends, and his girlfriend had supported his decision to join the Serbian Armed Forces.- Everyone in my family has completed military service. Some of my family members have served in the military as officers and non-commissioned officers for years. It is mainly because of them that I wanted to continue the tradition - Private Kulundžić said.
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