15.03.2014.

Soldiers of March generation take oath

Soldiers on voluntary military service of "March 2014" generation, professional soldiers and students of reserve officers’ class, have taken the enlistment oath today in the military training centres in Sombor, Valjevo and Leskovac.

General Ljubisa Dikovic, Chief of Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, congratulated taking the enlistment oath at the ceremony in the "Field Marchal Zivojin Misic" barracks in Valjevo, Major General Jovica Draganic, Deputy Chief of Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, congratulated the soldiers in the "Airport" barracks in Sombor, while Lieutenant General Aleksandar Zivkovic, Army Commander, wished the volunteers successful military days in the "Field Marchal Petar Bojovic" barracks in Leskovac.

The ceremony at the "Zivojin Misic" barracks in Valjevo was attended by Miloš Jankovićc, Assistant Minister for Human Resources, and in the " Field Marchal Petar Bojovic" barracks in Leskovac by Srbislav Cvejic, Assistant Minister for Budget and Finance.

In his address to the soldiers and future reserve officers, Chief of General Staff have told them that today they confirm strength of the bond of our military and people which has been proven many times in the history of Serbia.

- This is a confirmation for the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces to preserve military tradition of our people. Military oath in Serbia has always been considered a most sacred oath. You should always remember the oath, and keep it in your heart. Be proud of the fact that you lined up among the bold ones, in the military ranks which are guarantor of freedom and honour of Serbia and safety of all its citizens. Taking the military oath is a kind of test – test of patriotism, strength of character and human values. You have passed the exam! For all of us who have taken the oath, vowed to Serbia, military oath is something that fills us with pride and dignity, obliging us to keep Serbia as the most precious sanctuary. Military life and military profession are not easy. But please keep in mind that your superiors will always be there to help you to successfully master the training, to solve the dilemmas and problems if you have them to exit from these barracks as happy people, stronger, bolder and more mature than when you entered it, General Dikovic said.

He told future reserve officers that after the successful completion of the school they will become part of the officers’ corps of our army, with the possibility that the officer career become their orientation for life by committing to the professional military service.

- Serbian Armed Forces is worthy of the glorious traditions which the citizens of Serbia are rightly proud of. All that the military does has one goal – strengthening of its combat capabilities and a single purpose – the welfare of Serbia. This is what gives us the strength to give our best in the Ground Safety Zone, in peacekeeping missions around the world, training ranges, shooting ranges, airfields, barracks, and in all places where citizens need assistance of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Dikovic said, adding that the military courage, spirit and honour are pledge of security of the citizens and that pledge should be coupled with modern tools and systems, which should be used in the name of world peace, in the name of Serbia and its citizens.

- You can often hear the opinion of the citizens that the conscription should be returned, and we did not close that opportunity. And we will certainly find a way to train young people to behave in situations that are dangerous to their life and the environment, Chief of General Staff said, adding that everyone should be proud of the soldiers who willingly come to serve in the military, knowing that thereby they are contributing to the safety and welfare of Serbia.

General Dikovic told future soldiers and reserve officers that they had become part of the Serbian Armed Forces, Serbian institutions which citizens trust the most, and that the people's confidence in the military is a result of continued dedicated work of the members of the Armed Forces.

- Keep in mind that by your conduct you have to justify this confidence. Be proud of belonging to the Serbian Armed Forces and never forget that Serbia is our only homeland, General Dikovic said.

Bojana Miladinovic from Krupanj opted for this profession, because, as she says, she "likes the uniform very much" and follows the example of her brother who served in the military last year.

Stefan Colovic has taken the military oath today in Valjevo because of the family tradition.

- I love the uniform, I feel great as a member of the Serbian Armed Forces, Stefan said and his parents added that today they are the proudest parents in the world.

Boban Jeremic perceives military profession as a major life challenge.
- I want to see how much I can endure. I feel very happy, and my parents are happy and proud because they waited to see their son to taking the military oath.

Training centres in Sombor, Valjevo and Leskovac admitted 453 soldiers, including 48 women, to voluntary military service under arms. After the successful completion of basic individual training, evaluation and receiving of the certificate, they will continue training in centres for specialized training.

In the March referral period when it was planned to admit 510 candidates to the Serbian Armed Forces, 3,104 or 608 percent of the referral plan applied for it.

In voluntary military service under arms, there are 58 women (48 in the training centres and ten students in the course for reserve officers).