Class of March 2025 takes military oath, Minister Gašić attends

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended today the oath-taking ceremony held at the Field Marshal Živojin Mišić Barracks in Valjevo. The oath was taken by the March 2025 class of military service volunteers and Reserve Officer Course graduates.



Minister Gašić first greeted everyone present on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces and congratulated the soldiers and Reserve Officer Course graduates on taking the oath, emphasizing that in doing so they “have made a promise to protect and defend every inch of our country and the values ​​that the citizens of the Republic of Serbia cherish”.

- Freedom that we must preserve depends on your determination to keep that promise. How future generations will remember us depends on your readiness to keep that promise. The history we continue to write depends on your persistence in keeping that promise. All citizens of Serbia have heard you swear the oath. As a result, they are convinced that you will always stand by your people. Your parents, friends and relatives are proud of you and your patriotic act - said Minister Gašić.



We have always fought for freedom, he said, and therefore the history of the Serbian people is actually the history of the struggle for freedom.

- The uniform of the Serbian soldier was and remains a part of his past, present and future, and is synonymous with security. We must not taint the purity of the uniform, we must pass it on untarnished to future generations. Serbian soldiers have taken the military oath since time immemorial, swearing loyalty and devotion to their homeland. Defending the country has always been the honour for our people and more than a duty. Every person who becomes a soldier deserves deep respect, because it means that they are ready to make efforts and sacrifices to defend the country and the noblest values ​​of our society. Standing in formation, you bear witness to the vow you made today and thus became part of our defence system - said the Minister of Defence, stressing that they should remember the wording of the oath well and be proud of it, just as Serbia was proud of them.



Addressing the soldiers, Minister Gašić said that the leaders, officers and non-commissioned officers of the Serbian Armed Forces “have made every effort to create perfect training conditions so that they can transfer their military knowledge in an effective and safe manner”.

- In addition to gaining military skills, you will form long-standing friendships in the military and gain experiences that will be useful to you throughout your lives. While in the units, you will be part of a unique collective, where morality, military spirit and work discipline are developed and the honour of the profession is preserved. Today may be the beginning of a professional military career for many of you. The fact that more and more young people are linking their future to the Serbian Armed Forces is another proof of the reputation this institution has among our citizens. Serbia always keeps prepared to defend itself against any threat. Therefore, Serbian soldiers must be trained for the greatest challenges. This will require a lot of discipline and sacrifice on your part, but be brave and persistent - said Minister Gašić.



He thanked the soldiers’ parents for raising their boys and girls well and entrusting them to the armed forces.

- I share your joy and pride in your children’s decision to be military service volunteers and future officers of the Serbian Armed Forces. I am confident that you will hear from them delightful stories about our military - said the Minister of Defence and, after the oath-taking ceremony, told the soldiers to be proud members of the Serbian Armed Forces and not to forget that Serbia was their only homeland.

The ceremony was attended by Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Nebojša Nikolić, Deputy Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff Lieutenant General Tiosav Janković, Commander of the Training Command Major General Zoran Nasković, Rector of the Defence University Brigadier General Prof. Boban Đorović, Ph.D, Head of the Human Resources Department, General Staff, Brigadier General Slađan Hristov, representatives of the Valjevo District and the local self-government, Serbian Orthodox Church members, and numerous friends and relatives. Officer in charge of today’s ceremony was Colonel Saša Stojiljković, commander of the Second Training Centre based in Valjevo.



Vuk Pejović from Belgrade applied for voluntary military service because he wanted to try something new.

- I would like to be a member of the Serbian Armed Forces Guard or Military Police. It was difficult in the beginning, as it always is, it took time to get used to new people. It is easier now, but I expect a bigger challenge when the time comes for the camp - says Pejović.

Pierre Cassino, a young man from France, decided to do military service in Serbia.

- My father is French and my mother is Serbian. I love Serbia and I want to defend my people. I am a great patriot. It's nice here, the first days are hard but after a while, with good company, everything gets easier. My friends’ reactions are positive and everyone has welcomed my decision - says Cassino.



Tamara Kosijer, a Reserve Officer Course graduate from Belgrade, decided to take this step primarily for patriotic reasons - love for the homeland.

- I would recommend everyone to come and take on this challenge. For now, everything is going well, the adjustment period is over and what awaits us now are new challenges, field training, and exams. With good organization and great company, everything can be achieved – says Tamara Kosijer, adding that she would like to work at the defence system.



Luka Radić came all the way from Switzerland to attend the Reserve Officer Course.

- I have always wanted to put on a uniform and do military service. However, I never got the chance until I graduated from college. My experience here has been wonderful so far. With a good team and excellent leaders, the adjustment period goes by very fast. That period is not difficult, the military is now modernized and I would sincerely recommend everyone to become part of the Serbian Armed Forces – says Radić.