20.06.2014.
Taking the oath of enlistment
Soldiers on voluntary military service of "June 2014" generation, professional soldiers and professional soldier candidates have taken the enlistment oath today at the First Military Training Center in Sombor, and in barracks “Field Marshal Petar Bojovic” in Leskovac and “Field Marshal Zivojin Misic” in Valjevo.The oath taking ceremony in Sombor, apart from parents and relatives of the soldiers, was attended by Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic and Commander of the Training Command Major General Djokica Petrovic with associates, presidents of municipal councils of the cities of Sombor and Apatin, and representatives of the Church, educational, industrial, combat and other institutions and organizations.
Congratulating the soldiers on taking the oath, Minister Gasic stated that their choice of voluntary military service proves their honor, courage and readiness to serve the higher goal, security and reputation of Serbia.
- For some of you, voluntary military service is the first step towards a professional military career. During training, you will grow as men and soldiers, and after all successfully surpassed tasks included in the training program, you will get your certificates and the possibility to apply for working positions within the Armed Forces of Serbia – Defence Minister said, stressing that everything the Armed Forces do has one goal – to strengthen defence capabilities, and one purpose – Serbia’s well-being.
Minister Gasic pointed out that, for our people, defending our country has always represented a sacred duty, which is confirmed by the high level of response of future soldiers of the June generation, and the results of education in military education institutions.
- With professionalization of the Armed Forces, we have gained a modern defence system in accordance with the contemporary security challenges. Today, the Armed Forces of Serbia are prepared to complete their every mission and task. For the past several years, we have successfully prepared our units and soldiers that have successfully represented our country in multinational operations, we have promoted peace in the region and the world, strengthened good relations with our neighboring countries and cooperation with countries of all continents. This way, we secure support for achieving strategic goals of our country. Serious and great tasks lie ahead, and we will do everything for the Armed Forces of Serbia to remain a respectable factor for everyone who would try to endanger our freedom and legacies guarded for centuries in this region – Gasic said, pointing out that providing modern arms and equipment for the Armed Forces, and engaging in peacekeeping operations are still the priorities.
This year’s line of soldiers on voluntary military service from “June 2014” generation consisted of 141 soldiers, including 9 women. Together with them, candidates for professional military service from all units of the Armed Forces of Serbia took their oaths for the first time.Training of soldiers on voluntary military service lasts three months; the first month and a half is realized in centers for elementary individual training. After training at the First Training Center in Sombor, the soldiers leave for Pozarevac, where they receive collective training.
At “Petar Bojovic” barracks in Leskovac, 152 soldiers on voluntary military service and professional service have taken their oath in front of their superiors, families and friends. They were congratulated on taking the oath by Head of the General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic and State Secretary for Defence Zoran Djordjevic.
On that occasion, General Dikovic said that military service has a long tradition, and that the soldiers’ oath is particularly significant. He
stressed that the military has always stood by its people, which was especially proven during the recent floods and activities of flood relief.- The bond between the military and the people, tested throughout the turbulent history of our state, has never been broken. Guarding this bond has and will be the sacred duty of every member of the Armed Forces of Serbia. This is why Serbia is proud of its military, of the military tradition and every soldier, especially of those young men and women who enroll the military service voluntarily, because, that way, they contribute to Serbia’s improvement – General Dikovic stated.
At “Field Marshal Zivojin Misic” barracks in Valjevo, Deputy Head of the General Staff Lieutenant General Jovica Draganic and Assistant Defence Minister for Human Resources Milos Jankovic congratulated the soldiers on taking the oath. At the barracks, the oath has been taken by 143 soldiers today, including 14 women.
After taking the oath, the soldiers were granted a weekend leave.
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