18.12.2025.

Soldiers and NCO Course participants take military oath, Minister Gašić attends

Today, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended the oath-taking ceremony held at the Field Marshal Živojin Mišić Barracks in Valjevo. The oath was taken by the December 2025 class of military service volunteers and the Third Non-Commissioned Officer Course participants recruited from civilian structures.

On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, Minister Gašić congratulated the soldiers and course participants on taking the oath and said he felt honoured to witness this solemn and noble act, one of the most important moments in the life of every soldier, a ceremony that has a long tradition and carries a special meaning in our nation.

- By taking the oath, a soldier promises on his honour that he will be loyal to the homeland, giving his word as a pledge of morality, responsibility, and soldierly perseverance. Those prepared to defend Serbia, their fellow citizens, and the highest values of our society deserve special respect – emphasized Minister Gašić.

Addressing the soldiers, the Minister of Defence said that the Serbian people are honourable and proud, and that throughout our rich history, Serbs did not wage wars of conquest. Rather, generation after generation had to defend their right to exist, along with their roots, faith, freedom, dignity, and loyalty to the homeland, values that were defended and preserved through great sacrifice.

- Dear soldiers and course participants, by taking the oath you become part of our homeland’s shield and the eyes of our entire nation are fixed upon you. I wish you every success, strength and perseverance in your further training and in your honourable service to Serbia. Through daily life and work within your units, you will mature both as individuals and as soldiers, becoming part of a cohesive group that fosters comradeship and teamwork, and regards discipline and the honour and reputation of the Serbian Armed Forces as fundamental values – the Minister of Defence said.

Minister Gašić also stressed that their commanding officers are good and honourable people, fully dedicated to their profession and calling, and that during the training period they will prepare the soldiers for all the tasks ahead. He urged them to learn diligently from their superiors, taking in their advice as the greatest treasure.

- Future non-commissioned officers, you have chosen a profession that our nation deeply respects and places great trust in. The path to one’s first NCO rank is not easy, it is a path of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Let the glorious deeds of the Serbian army and our great historical figures inspire you on that journey, and let the words of the military oath you have just taken guide you. Soldiers, I believe that many of you will, upon completing your military service, decide to pursue professional military career and remain part of this formation – the Minister of Defence emphasized.

Minister Gašić also highlighted that the well-being of all service members has always been a top priority for the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces. For this reason, an amendment to the Law on the Armed Forces was recently adopted, significantly improving the position of professional service members, especially professional soldiers.

- The amendment allows soldiers to secure permanent employment and, God willing, earn their pensions by working for the Serbian Armed Forces. We believe this greatly enhances soldiers’ status and provides added security for them and their families – the Minister of Defence said.

Addressing the soldiers’ and course participants’ parents and relatives, Minister Gašić stressed that this is not only a proud day for the young soldiers but also for their families.

- You have taught them values, discipline, respect, and love for the homeland. You have shaped them into responsible, brave, and honourable people. Today, as they stand in military formation, your children are paying you back with gratitude for everything you have done to help them become defenders of the freedom of the Republic of Serbia - Minister Gašić said.

The Minister of Defence encouraged the soldiers and NCO course participants to always keep the words of the military oath in their minds and hearts, expressing his hope that they would receive top training and that their first days as soldiers would remain a fond and lasting memory.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Brigadier General Dragiša Zlatković, Commander of the Training Command, Colonel Nikola Matović, Head of the Office of the Minister of Defence, SGM Goran Đukić, Sergeant Major of the Serbian Armed Forces, His Grace Bishop Isihije of Valjevo, representatives from state institutions, local government, business organizations, associations, along with numerous friends and relatives.

The commander of today’s ceremony was Colonel Nikola Fatić, Commander of the 2nd Training Centre in Valjevo.

Bogdan Veselinović from Arilje applied for voluntary military service because he had grown up seeing the military and people in uniforms, so when he became an adult, he decided to serve in the military himself.

- I am very proud of myself for making this choice and its’ a great honour to wear this uniform – Veselinović said. He has finished a secondary music school, where he studied the saxophone, so he hopes to join the orchestra of the Serbian Armed Forces Guard.

Dragana Milunović from Čačak is a military service volunteer. She proudly says that the love for the military is a family tradition, passed down through generations.

- Two of my older sisters and two of my brothers-in-law serve in the military. We wear the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces with pride and honour. I plan to continue my career in the military and I hope to receive further training in the NCO course – Dragana Milunović says, adding that she aspires to become a member of the elite 72^nd Special Operations Brigade.

Voja Đorđević from Prokuplje volunteered for military service because he has dreamed of joining the Serbian Armed Forces since he was a child.

- It is my honour to wear the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces, because it is a tradition that goes back centuries in our nation. That is why I am taking the oath today. I plan to get employment in the military, and I am familiar with the Law on the Serbian Armed Forces, which I believe provides benefits, security, and permanent employment – Voja Đorđević said.