07.10.2026.
Third Army Brigade Day Marked
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a ceremony marking Third Army Brigade Day, held at the Knjaz Mihailo Barracks in Niš today.
Congratulating the personnel on their Brigade Day, Minister Gašić reminded those in attendance that “today's ceremony is being held within the barracks that bear the name of one of Serbia's most renowned rulers”.- Today takes us back to the beginning of the battle path of a unit whose traditions are continued by this brigade. It takes us back to the day when a legendary name, unique in our military history, was born. On October 7, 1912, the Second Infantry Regiment “Knjaz Mihailo” set out to join the First Balkan War. Renowned for its heroism in the fiercest battles for Serbia's freedom, the unit earned its familiar name - the Iron Regiment. The name instilled fear in the enemy and filled the hearts of Serbian soldiers with pride. That name continues to live in you and with you today - said the Minister of Defence.
Speaking about the Third Brigade’s historical legacy, Minister Gašić noted that its traditions had been established by Serbian military greats, which represented both an honour and a huge responsibility for its current personnel.
- The heroine Milunka Savić served in the unit whose traditions the Third Brigade is carrying on. Dragutin Matić, otherwise known as “Falcon Eye”, made his way to eternity while serving in it. It was commanded by the legendary Colonel Milivoje Stojanović “Brka”, in whose honour Stanislav Binički composed his March on the Drina. Every current member of this unit lives wearing this halo of honour, but also a burden of responsibility – the Minister of Defence emphasised.Addressing the personnel of the Third Army Brigade, Minister Gašić said that “tradition is not just what we remember, but what we leave behind through our actions for those who come after us”.
- You are not required to live in the shadow of the Iron Regiment, but rather to be worthy of its name and to write new pages in Serbian military history through your work. Therefore, I can say with great delight that the Third Army Brigade is now a modern military unit with highly motivated personnel, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment, and capable of carrying out the most complex missions. We have witnessed your professionalism, discipline, expertise, and proficiency on countless occasions - said the Minister of Defence.
According to him, the Serbian Armed Forces are transforming rapidly and the development of military technology and doctrine, as well as the acquisition of state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment, are now a reality and part of everyday life.- Older members of the unit surely remember the times when those before us, up until 2012, systematically degraded the military, seeking to destroy it. Unlike them, we are now building, equipping, and strengthening it. Here in Niš, we have built and renovated numerous military facilities to provide better living and working conditions for our personnel, as well as storage and maintenance facilities for our combat equipment. One of our priorities is improving the living standard of military personnel, and we are especially delighted that amendments to the Law on the Armed Forces have made it possible for professional soldiers to be recruited on a permanent basis and serve in their uniforms until retirement – Minister Gašić said.
The Minister of Defence said he was proud of what the Serbian Armed Forces represented today, but stressed that development would not stop there and highlighted the importance of public support along that journey.
- Public support is vital along this journey, and it is a pleasure to hear and see that the Serbian citizens’ trust in our military is at a high level. Empowered by that support and trust, as well as the achievements of our units and personnel, we will continue to invest in our people, barracks, facilities, weapons, and military equipment - said Minister Gašić.He told members of the Third Brigade that they should proudly carry the famous name they had inherited, being aware that “a unit's reputation is not inherited once and for all but has to be earned anew by each new generation”.
- We share a responsibility to leave stronger and better-equipped Serbian Armed Forces to future generations. That is the best way to repay our debt to our glorious ancestors. Look after your people, your flag, and the honour of your unit. Always be ready to protect Serbia – concluded Minister Gašić.
To mark the occasion, Minister Gašić presented commendations to the most outstanding brigade members, as well as letters of appreciation to individuals and companies for their cooperation with the Third Army Brigade.The Commander of the Third Army Brigade, Colonel Saša Todorov, noted that the results achieved were a source of pride, but also an obligation to continue working better and with even greater determination.
- We will not content ourselves with average results. The Brigade will continue to maintain and increase its capability to defend the homeland, because the honour and trust given to us by our people obliges us to do so - said Colonel Todorov, stressing that being a member of the Third Army Brigade was an honour and a privilege reserved for the strong and the brave.
After the ceremony, Minister Gašić viewed a static military display, where he was shown a selection of the weapons and military equipment currently in service with the unit.The ceremony was attended by the State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mile Jelić, the Commander of the Army, Major General Zoran Nasković, members of the Ministry of the Interior, representatives of the local government and the Serbian Orthodox Church, and numerous other guests.
