20.06.2015.

Taking the military oath

Soldiers on voluntary military service of "June 2015" generation, professional soldiers and professional soldier candidates have taken the enlistment oath today at the military training centres in Sombor, Valjevo and Leskovac.

The oath taking ceremony in Valjevo barracks Duke Zivojin Misic was attended by Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic and Commander of the Training Command Lieutenant General Djokica Petrovic, representatives of the Ministry of Defence, SAF units, local self-government, religious communities, numerous family members and friends of 152 men and women in voluntary military service and one candidate for professional service.

Congratulating the soldiers on taking the oath, Minister Gasic stressed that defending the country had always been a matter of honour for our country and more than a commitment and a given word. He stressed that whoever chose to become a soldier deserved particular respect, because “being a soldiers means serving to a higher good, committing to the fatherland and being prepared for hardship and sacrifice for defence and achievement of most noble values of the society”.

- With the taken oath, you have become a part of the system that is characterized by honour, courage, responsibility and readiness to serve a higher goal – defence of security and reputation of the Republic of Serbia and its citizens – Minister Gasic said, stressing that the values of military profession drew an increasing number of young people, and that, for those who wanted, the Serbian Armed Forces gave the perspective of further education and advancement in service.

- I share your joy and pride for the decision of these young people to begin their voluntary military service. Senior SAF staff has done everything to create optimal conditions for training, in order for your loved ones to complete their military service safely and dignifiedly – Minister Gasic told the parents and relatives of the youngest generation of soldiers, reminding that the Serbian Government and the Ministry of Defence did everything to equip the SAF with modern combat systems, continuing the development of the overall combat potential of our country.

- The Serbian Armed Forces is worthy of the glorious tradition that the Serbian citizens are rightfully proud of. Today as well, SAF is always there to conduct its missions and tasks and to be the first to provide aid – Minister Gasic stated, stressing that the high level of trust that SAF had among the citizens was the confirmation of the unbreakable bonds between the people and the Armed Forces.

In Petar Bojovic barracks in Leskovac, the oath was taken in front of senior staff, families and friends by 205 soldiers in voluntary military service and professional soldiers.

The oath taking was attended by Chief of the General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic, State Secretary for Defence Zoran Djordjevic, Brigadier Generals Stojan Konjikovac, Head of the HR Department of the General Staff and Dejan Jankovic, Head of the Training Command Staff, representatives of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, local government, companies and organizations, and the Church, and families and friends of the soldiers.

Congratulating on the oath taking, General Dikovic said that this act in Serbia had a long tradition that Serbian soldiers and citizens were equally proud of.

- The word “soldier” bears all superlative connotations. He is the bravest, most disciplined and responsible member of the society. His patriotism is vast, his loyalty to the fatherland is complete and uncompromised, and his honour and righteousness are unsurpassable. A well-trained soldier in a good, such as the units of SAF, is the best guarantee for security of his country. With your willingness to complete the military service under arms, you have proven that Serbia has the youth worthy of the glorious and liberation traditions, ready to contribute to the well-being and security of our country – General Dikovic stated.

Stressing that SAF was undisputedly dedicated to sustaining and strengthening its operative capabilities, conducting all tasks trusted by the Republic of Serbia, fostering of military traditions of the ancestors and preserving of the bond between the military and the people, General Dikovic said:
- There is no challenge that we are not prepared for in order to protect the lives of Serbian citizens and the security of our country. At the same time, we strengthen our potentials for deployment in multinational operations across the world – General Ljubisa Dikovic stressed at the end of his address at the oath taking ceremony in Leskovac.

In Aerodrom barracks in Sombor, the soldiers were congratulated on the oath taking by Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Jovica Draganic, and the ceremony was also attended by Assistant Training Command Commander for support Colonel Slaven Boskovic, MoD and SAF representatives, representatives of the Municipality, West Backa District, Serbian Orthodox Church, Ministry of Interior, and families and friends of the soldiers. The military oath was taken by 200 candidates for professional soldiers.

Congratulating the soldiers on the oath taking, General Draganic stressed that the number of gathered people showed that the soldiers and citizens of Serbia equally appreciated the nobility and honour of the words of the oath.

- This is a joyful day, because these young people have grown to become responsible adults, who know true values, love their country and are ready to invest themselves, their efforts, dedication and knowledge into Serbia, its security and well-being, as true soldiers – General Draganic stated.

At Aerodrom, Duke Zivojin Misic and Petar Bojovic barracks, the words “I swear to defend with my honour the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia!” were said today by 558 men and women in voluntary military service and a candidate for professional military service.