18.09.2026.

Minister Gašić attends oath-taking ceremony in Valjevo

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended today the oath-taking ceremony of the September 2026 intake of military service volunteers, candidates for enlistment as professional soldiers, and students of the 54th class of the 1300 Corporals Secondary Vocational Military School, held at the Field Marshal Živojin Mišić Barracks in Valjevo.

Minister Gašić congratulated the recruits on taking their oath, emphasising that “the military oath is one of the finest and most honourable traditions of our nation”.

- It serves as proof of honour, courage, and a readiness to serve a higher purpose. Pledging an oath to the homeland and giving one’s word as a guarantee of military uprightness and morality has always deserved admiration. As Minister of Defence, but also as a citizen of the Republic of Serbia, a father, and a grandfather, I am proud to have the opportunity to deliver an address at this solemn oath-taking ceremony of the new generation of military service volunteers, students of the 1300 Corporals Secondary Vocational Military School, and our professional soldier candidates - said the Minister of Defence, stressing that by giving their word, these young men and women had made a commitment to serve the Republic of Serbia.

He stressed that “today, the Serbian Armed Forces are stronger than ever, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment, and ready to carry out any task assigned to them”.

- We witnessed this last week at Pešter, during Exercise Victor 2026, where, in addition to top-notch military equipment, we saw a high level of motivation and dedication demonstrated by all participants. Without such personnel, everything else would be in vain. Therefore, it gives me particular pleasure, as Minister, to see new generations ready to acquire knowledge and master their skills by learning from their seniors, while at the same time making their own contribution imbued with the spirit of the time they are maturing in. In this way, we are creating an even stronger system capable of meeting the challenges of the modern age - the Minister of Defence said.

Minister Gašić expressed pride in the young people making an important, right, and honourable decision amidst turbulent global events. Speaking directly to their parents, he said that their children had been taught true values, determined to commit themselves to greater causes, and ready to assist and protect those in need.

- I personally feel and share your joy. You have put years of effort into directing these young men and women onto the right path, and I am extremely grateful to you for that. Today is your day as well. Keep on supporting them, just as you have done so far. Your parental words, understanding, and encouragement will mean a lot to them during their military service - the Minister of Defence said.

Expressing his belief that, through hard work and dedication, the soldiers and students would justify the trust placed in them, Minister Gašić told them to be guided by the words of the oath they had taken, as well as by the humanity and high moral principles characteristic of the Serbian soldier. He urged them to look after one another, respect their superiors, and be disciplined and responsible.

- Through your training process and military life, you will mature as people and form a unified, strong collective that preserves Serbia’s reputation and honour — a collective to be relied on in the most difficult times. You should, therefore, use the time ahead to learn as much as possible and to forge yourselves into soldiers and people of character. May the words of your military oath always be in your minds and hearts. Be brave, persistent, and worthy of the uniform you wear - said the Minister of Defence.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Nikola Matović, the Commander of the Training Command, Brigadier General Dragiša Zlatković, representatives of the local government, state institutions, the clergy, and the families and relatives of the soldiers.

The commander of today’s ceremony was the Commander of the Second Training Centre, Colonel Nikola Fatić.

Luka Milenković, a military service volunteer from Kragujevac, said that “today was a special day, filled with wonderful impressions”, and expressed his tremendous excitement.

- I decided to apply for voluntary military service out of love for the homeland, weapons, and the uniform, as well as to continue a family tradition. My grandfather and uncle were servicemen since the age of 14, so I chose to follow in their footsteps - said Private Milenković, adding that his dream was to become a professional member of a Military Police unit.

Luka Leđanac, a military service volunteer from Novi Sad and a final-year student at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade, expressed his desire to combine the two professions.

- I decided to do military service out of love for my homeland and the honourable military calling. It would be great to combine my field of study with the military calling, as the two go hand in hand. Should our Armed Forces and the Church require it, I am ready to pursue my career as a military chaplain in the Serbian Armed Forces - Private Leđanac said.

Anđelija Savić from Smederevska Palanka applied for voluntary military service because she had dreamed since childhood of putting on the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces one day. Today she feels a profound sense of honour, responsibility towards her homeland, and great pride.