25.07.2025.
New generation of non-commissioned officers formally inducted in Takovo
The Minister of Defence, Bratislav Gašić, and the Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović, attended a ceremony today marking the graduation of the 52nd class of the 1300 Corporals Secondary Vocational Military School. The event also celebrated the completion of training for the second class of civilian candidates who successfully finished the Non-Commissioned Officer Course and were formally promoted to their initial non-commissioned officer rank.
Congratulating the youngest NCOs of the Serbian Armed Forces, Minister of Defence Gašić emphasized that “in the very place where, two centuries ago, the Serbian people united with determination to restore Serbia’s freedom and statehood, we now welcome a new generation of non-commissioned officers into the ranks of our Armed Forces”.- I believe we all recognize the symbolism carried by this fact. In Takovo, all those years ago, a graft was placed upon the ancient, gnarled tree of our national being – one that took root and gave rise to everything we have today. From that graft branched out and blossomed a generation of young patriots, whom we have gathered here today to honour and celebrate. The spirits of our great and courageous ancestors rejoice, for the tricolour flag is now entrusted to a generation that has proven – through deeds – that they are worthy of the uniform they wear, the rank they bear, and their future commanding and leadership responsibilities. These admirable young men and women, through their decision to join the ranks of our professional armed forces – and through the effort and sacrifice they have shown in their schooling and training – have earned the honour of being inducted here, in this very place, surrounded by their superiors and loved ones – said the Minister of Defence.
He emphasized that non-commissioned officers “have always been the backbone and connecting tissue of a strong and well-organized military”. - Individual readiness and soldierly morale, as well as the condition of weapons and combat equipment depends on their knowledge, skill, and initiative. The ability of the non-commissioned officer to translate and carry out, at the tactical level, the strategic vision of the commander, makes them an irreplaceable element of military organization. That is why the education, training, and moral formation of this cadre within the Serbian Armed Forces is no less vital than the schooling of officers – for without skilled and committed leaders of squads, teams and crews, even the finest qualities of their commanders may remain unrealized and unseen – said Minister Gašić. He told the young sergeants that they are the very framework upon which the Serbian Armed Forces are built. For if they master their craft, hold onto true values, honour the authority of their superiors and the dignity of their subordinates – “then our organization is unbreakable”.
Addressing the young leaders, the Minister of Defence affirmed that “the state has invested greatly – and will continue to invest – in modern weapons and equipment”. - Today we are incomparably stronger, and far better paid than we were a decade and a half ago. It is now up to you – within a system that recognizes your efforts and offers clear paths for growth – to realize your full potential. A road lies open before you. Step onto it bravely, striving always for the highest professional standards, mindful that in every aspect of your life, the symbols you wear – of your homeland and your military – bind you to your duty. On or off duty, you must carry yourselves with honour, for the trust of the people obliges you to do so. Remember, the trust and love of the military uniform were earned through great effort and self-sacrifice by generations before you – Minister Gašić emphasized.
Addressing the parents of the newly promoted sergeants, the Minister of Defence thanked them for raising their sons and daughters in the spirit of patriotism, duty and service to the community. He told them they have every right to feel immeasurable pride.In the final words of his address, Minister Gašić told the young NCOs that they would remember this day for the rest of their lives – as a defining moment, a line drawn between “before” and “after”.
- As of today, upon your shoulders rests the weight of rank and responsibility, but also the shining halo of honour. On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, on behalf of our country, I wish you steadfast health and a hero’s fortune. May you serve your nation in peace, build successful careers, and nurture big families. May your knowledge and strength be the shield that guards this nation – said Minister Gašić.The top student of the 52nd class of the Secondary Vocational Military School, newly promoted Sergeant Andrej Milivojević, addressed the assembly on behalf of his class mates and the second class of the Non-Commissioned Officer Course for civilian candidates. He emphasized that this day will remain etched in their memories forever, for they stand shoulder to shoulder with their commanders and superiors who have fortified their dedication, perseverance, and sense of responsibility – preparing them to serve their homeland.
- We knew what our goal was, and day by day, we pressed forward with steady resolve. We have learned to be persistent, to rely on one another, support each other, and be a team. Our colleagues, the second class of NCO Course candidates, have likewise, under the careful guidance and unwavering support of their superiors, trained with diligence and dedication to assume their initial NCO roles across different branches and services, Milivojević emphasized and added, “All of us standing before you today, have not only gained the knowledge and skills required of an NCO, but, more importantly, we have grown into good and honest people”.The Minister of Defence presented ceremonial NCO fascine knives to the top students of the Secondary Vocational Military School, while the Chief of the General Staff bestowed the same honour upon the most successful candidates of the Non-Commissioned Officer Course.
The ceremony, which concluded with ceremonial flypasts performed by Orao aircraft, was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Resource Management, Aleksandar Goganović, members of the respective collegiums of the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, the Head of the Moravica Administrative District, Marko Parezanović, the President of the Municipality of Gornji Milanovac, Dejan Kovačević, representatives of religious communities, as well as the families and friends of the newly promoted sergeants.