Minister Vučević attends oath-taking ceremony in Valjevo

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Miloš Vučević attended today the oath-taking ceremony at Vojvoda Živojin Mišić Barracks in Valjevo.



The oath was taken by the 148th class of the Military Academy cadets, the 15th class of the Medical Faculty cadets (Military Medical Academy), reserve officers’ course trainees (class of September 2023), the 51st class of students of the Secondary Vocational Military School "1300 Corporals", and soldiers who have applied for voluntary military service (class of September 2023).

Congratulating everyone on taking the oath, Minister Vučević said that many people feel nostalgia when they think back to their oath-taking ceremonies and that no one can feel as proud as a person who pledges allegiance to his or her homeland or a parent who watches their child become a better person with every word of the oath they utter.

- We remember that feeling for the rest of our lives, and that sense of pride fills us with warmth and encourages us even when fate brings us new challenges. This is especially evident in Serbia, where the military oath and military service have their own special shrines in every house and their own rites at every ceremony and gathering. And why is that so? Because we become mature adults when we realize that we need to be ready and able to put ourselves at the service of the only piece of freedom that is called Serbia, of our ancestors and descendants, relatives and friends. When we defeat our egoism and conformism and stand in formation to continue the work of our glorious army, which was and remains the only guarantor of our freedom and independence - said Minister Vučević.



Today we are back in Valjevo, he said, a city whose residents were traditionally the best soldiers of the Serbian army, a city of heroes from Cer, Drina, Kolubara, Albania and Kaimakchalan.
 
- We are here to congratulate the cadets of the Military Academy and the MMA Medical Faculty, the students of the Secondary Vocational Military School "1300 Corporals", the reserve officers’ course trainees and the new class of soldiers who will be doing their voluntary military service on taking the military oath. I wish the youngest cadets, the Military Academy’s 148th class, and the 51st class of students of the Secondary Vocational Military School "1300 Corporals" to persevere in their decision to become officers of the Serbian Armed Forces. For you, the military oath is an introduction to an outstanding profession, which is of special importance for Serbia and its citizens. During your further education, show persistence, diligence and honesty. In that way, you will master the entire learning content and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. Develop the spirit of military camaraderie in your class, and in that way, you will be able to face any challenge, without fear, because a heroic heart will beat in the chest of each class member - stressed Minister Vučević and added that "everyone who understands the profession of a military commander as the question of identity and a foothold, will be a worthy successor to the glorious Field Marshal Živojin Mišić".



The Minister of Defence told the cadets of the Medical Faculty to look after the health not only of our service members, but of the entire nation, because there can be no healthy military without a healthy nation, and he expressed belief that they would competently perform the profession they had chosen as their life mission.

- I congratulate the reserve officers’ course trainees and soldiers who will be performing voluntary military service on their determination to serve their country in the Serbian Armed Forces. A country is as strong and secure as its sons and daughters – fellow citizens like you. You are continuing in the footsteps of glorious Serbian volunteers whose love for their homeland has always been an inspiration. That's why I congratulate your parents, your families, for having raised you as exemplary citizens, who are able to tighten their rifle belts with ease and a smile on their face and, alongside the officers of the Serbian Armed Forces, shoulder the responsibility for the defence of the homeland - said Minister Vučević.



He hopes peace will always rule in Serbia and the military oath will be a fond memory and a sacred duty that promotes virtues, without the need to ever engage them. Also, the Minister of Defence expressed his belief that our state leadership, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, is pursuing a wise policy that builds peace and preserves stability.
 
- Unfortunately, there are security challenges, risks and threats that we must not ignore or underestimate. But, rest assured that Serbia will do everything in its power to preserve its neutrality, political independence, sovereignty and freedom, primarily by peaceful means. And not only through diplomacy and by being constructive, but by equipping, strengthening and training our armed forces, which are the only relevant factor in preserving peace in a country. That is something that history has taught us. Our power and strength lie in our faith in ourselves and our love for our homeland. These are the greatest virtues of a Serbian soldier. Be worthy of our history and your glorious heroic ancestors. Long live the Serbian Armed Forces! Long live Serbia! - Minister Vučević said.
 
The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Training Command, Major General Željko Petrović, Rector of the Defence University, Brigadier General Prof. Boban Đorović, Head of the Defence Minister’s Cabinet, Brigadier General Goran Momčilović, Head of the Human Resources Directorate (J-1) General Staff, Brigadier General Savo Iriškić, Sergeant Major of the Serbian Armed Forces Nenad Stević, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, local government, the Ministry of the Interior, religious communities and families and friends of cadets, trainees, students and soldiers. The commander of today's ceremony was the commander of Valjevo’s Second Training Centre, Colonel Saša Stojiljković.



Teodora Trajković, cadet of the 15th class of the Medical Faculty, Military Medical Academy, has decided to combine her love for medicine and the military.
 
- I have wanted to become a doctor since I was little. I urge everyone who is interested in medicine and the Serbian Armed Forces to apply and serve the Republic of Serbia honourably - said Cadet Teodora Trajković.
 
One of the candidates for the reserve officers’ course, Miloš Todorović from Čačak, has graduated from the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, and joined the Serbian Armed Forces to fulfil his boyhood dream.
 
- I have wanted to be a soldier since I was a child and it is an honour to serve my people and homeland. Once I complete my military training, I hope to get employment as an officer of the Serbian Armed Forces - Miloš Todorović said and added that one cannot describe military life in words, it must be experienced.



Jelena Stević from Kragujevac applied for the aviation reserve officers’ course after completing her master's studies in biology. She says that it has been her desire since childhood and that her persistence has paid off.
 
- I expect good cooperation and solidarity and I would like to encourage everyone who loves their homeland and their people to apply, because this is an opportunity for them to show what they know and to do their best - said Jelena Stević.
 
Sava Raičević from Podgorica has applied for voluntary military service for patriotic reasons.
 
- I have been raised in the spirit of patriotism. My great-grandfather fought in the Salonica Front, my father was a soldier, and the only logical thing for me to do was to become a soldier. I expect to do my military service honourably for the next six months, to make new friends and gain new skills that will be useful for me throughout my life - said Sava Raičević and called on all young people to put on the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces and proudly wear it like him.