17.07.2026.
Graduation ceremony for Secondary Vocational Military School’s 53rd class
A ceremony to celebrate the 53rd class’s graduation from the 1300 Corporals Secondary Vocational Military School and their promotion to their first NCO rank was held today at the General Jovan Mišković barracks in Belgrade.
On that occasion, the Commandant of the Military Academy, Major General Željko Furundžić, said that, the new generation of non-commissioned officers had earned their place in the ranks of the Serbian Armed Forces through their knowledge, perseverance, and dedication.
- In addition to military knowledge and skills, particular attention was devoted throughout their schooling to fostering their virtues, sense of duty and patriotism, as well as commitment to the military profession. They have successfully mastered their curriculum, while at the same time learning to make decisions and assume responsibility when it is needed most. The NCO Corps holds a special place within the Serbian Armed Forces, as it forms the vital link between officers and soldiers and is the backbone of every strong and well-organised military – said the Commandant of the Military Academy, emphasizing the long tradition of NCO training in our country.
He pointed out that one of the most important qualities of young NCOs was the sense of responsibility developed during their schooling.- The military profession will demand perseverance, self-sacrifice and continuous professional development. In the units where you will serve, uphold the reputation of the Secondary Vocational Military School and the uniform you wear. Let your service be guided by professionalism, honour, dedication, and responsibility. Let your performance be worthy of the tradition you inherit and the future you are building. Be a role model to your soldiers – Major General Furundžić stressed, expressing particular gratitude to all commanders and teachers who, through their expertise and dedication, contributed to shaping this generation of students.
The top graduates of the 53rd class are Sergeant Emilija Perić (GPA 4.80), who has completed the Electronic Warfare Units course, and sergeants Lena Bojović (GPA 4.70) and Bojana Obradović (4.69), who have completed the Air Technical Service course. Reflecting on the first days of her schooling, when the day of her promotion to the rank of sergeant seemed a long way off, the class’s top graduate, Sergeant Emilija Perić, said that she and her classmates had, over time, become one big family, whose members supported and encouraged one another, ready to always stand together as the proudest young non-commissioned officers of the Serbian Armed Forces.
- This day has been preceded by one of the best periods of our lives, filled with wonderful memories, but also with difficult and challenging moments. From the very beginning, our superiors and teachers stood by us, guiding us every step of the way – from the simplest tasks to the most important lessons in life, and teaching us that the greatest value lies in being a good person and that, above all, actions are valued more highly than words – said Sergeant Perić, adding that as they move on to their new duties, their professional development is only beginning and that they will strive to serve their country honourably and responsibly.
The ceremony was attended by the Rector of the Defence University, Brigadier General Boban Đorović, the Head of the Personnel Department, Brigadier General Zlatko Mišić, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, and the newly promoted graduates’ friends and relatives.