20.07.2026.
Ministers Gašić, Mesarović discuss employment opportunities within defence system with citizens of Zaječar
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović met today with citizens of Zaječar interested in employment opportunities within the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces.
On this occasion, Minister Gašić noted that the reintroduction of conscription was one of the most important developments within the defence system. In addition to the intake of recruits, he added, this process will include the restoration of supporting services within the Serbian Armed Forces that had previously been suspended or neglected. He noted that the reinstatement of conscription would have multiple benefits for Zaječar, as the arrival of soldiers was likely to revive the local economy.In addition to this, he said, intensive work is being done to refurbish and renovate facilities within the Zaječar barracks, in order to create all necessary conditions for the reintroduction of mandatory military service. These efforts are being carried out alongside the continued modernization of the Serbian Armed Forces as a one of the state’s best organised and most stable systems.
According to the Minister of Defence, claims of insufficient staffing levels within the defence system are unfounded and the discussion forums that are being held throughout Serbia are aimed at presenting new, specific jobs to the public and offer them the chance to discuss employment opportunities within the defence system directly with MoD and SAF representatives.
While speaking about the development of the domestic defence industry, Minister Gašić noted that the launch of a new production facility was expected to take place in Zaječar, with the state-owned Jugoimport-SDPR company overseeing the process. The facility, he said, is expected to create a significant number of new jobs.The Minister of Defence noted that the average salary within the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces is above the national average. He added that professional members of the Serbian Armed Forces, depending on their position, are entitled to reduced years of service for retirement, while amendments to the relevant legislation now allow for professional soldiers to receive permanent employment contracts after three years of service and upon meeting the prescribed requirements, which gives them greater professional and financial security.
Minister Gašić stated that the age limit for the recruitment of professional soldiers is 35, while there is no such requirement when it comes to the recruitment of civilians. According to him, candidates with a range of educational profiles are eligible to apply, from those who have completed elementary school to those who have completed higher education, depending on the position they are applying for.
According to the Minister of Defence, a wide range of professionals are required, including cooks, butchers, barbers, painters, plumbing and drainage installers, welders, electrical installers, carpenters, electricians, central heating installers, drivers, machine and boiler operators, mechanics, electromechanical technicians, operators, administrative staff, financial clerks, psychologists, pharmacists, nurses and doctors, as well as other professionals necessary for the functioning of the defence system.The Minister of Defence noted that employment requirements for certain jobs have been simplified, e.g. candidates for driver jobs and some other specific positions will no longer be required to hold all necessary certificates when applying. Instead, the Serbian Armed Forces will enable successful candidates to complete the required training and obtain relevant licences within the timeframe prescribed after joining service.
Regarding the development of the defence industry, Minister Gašić said that professionals from various technical fields are also needed, such as locksmiths, electricians, metal turners, toolmakers, and milling machine operators. He also added that the Military Technical Institute continues to bring together top scientists whose work provides the basis for the development of domestic weapons and military equipment.Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović pointed out that interested citizens also have access to training, retraining and additional training programmes, enabling as many people as possible to meet the requirements for employment. She stressed that the Ministry of Economy is actively working to set the stage for the opening of new jobs, as well as to promote and make these jobs accessible to citizens, both in the private sector and within state institutions.
Mayor of Zaječar Vladimir Videnović expressed his satisfaction with the large number of citizens attending the Serbian Armed Forces Information Day, held to promote the opening of new employment opportunities within the defence system. He emphasised that interested citizens were provided with relevant information, as well as the opportunity to obtain employment in Zaječar.Milan Bosnić, director of the National Employment Service, stated that the defence system provides secure jobs for both professional soldiers and civilians from a wide range of professions, whose knowledge and work contribute to the functioning and development of the defence system.
