“ALL THE GREAT VICTORIES OF THE SERBIAN ARMY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THOROUGH TRAINING” Day of the Training Command was marked (PHOTO)

THE MINISTER OF DEFENSE, Bratislav Gašić, attended today the Ceremonial Academy on the occasion of the Commemoration of the Day of the Training Command, at the Guard House in Topčider.

On this occasion, in congratulating today’s holiday, Minister Gašić recalled the historical moments of our army and its role as a pillar of security, stability and national pride.

– Today, January 15, is of exceptional importance for the history of the Serbian army and Serbian statehood. On that day in 1883, the Law on the Organization of the Army was promulgated, with which Serbia took a big step towards building a modern, organized and efficient military force. At that time, the Kingdom of Serbia was facing numerous challenges. It was necessary to reform the army and defend independence in the complex political and security circumstances of that time. The law on the organization of the army was an expression of the deep vision of the then leadership and military leaders, who understood that only with a well-trained and organized army can the freedom, sovereignty and honor of the state be protected – emphasized the Minister of Defense.

He added that that act established a system that included a permanent staff and a reserve, with the clear goal of ensuring, in case of need, the mobilization of the population for the defense of the country.

– Service in the army was mandatory for all able-bodied men, and training was thoroughly organized. Soldiers, during their military service, mastered the necessary training before being transferred to the reserve. All the great victories of the Serbian army – from Kumanovska and Bregalnica battles to Cerska and Kolubarska battles – would not have been possible without thorough training and preparations that were carried out precisely in the spirit of that Law – said Minister Gašić.

Addressing the audience, the Minister of Defense said that “The Training Command has a significant role in the defense system of our country, because it creates the basis without which no army can function – prepared, trained and motivated soldiers and non-commissioned officers”.

– They, as the backbone of every army, represent its most important resource, because they carry out tasks in the field and form the backbone of military operations. Therefore, the mission of the Training Command is to mold their character, develop discipline, strengthen team spirit and build unwavering loyalty to the motherland. In our training centers, every recruit gets the opportunity to acquire military skills and habits, learn the basics of military tactics and weapons handling, improve physical preparedness, which enables him to face challenges of any kind – Minister Gašić pointed out.

Photo: Ministry of Defense

He emphasized that non-commissioned officers, who acquire leadership skills in the Training Command, have a key role in commanding and individual training of soldiers, and that their ability to maintain morale and ensure the successful implementation of tasks is invaluable.

– They are leaders in everyday work and heroes in extraordinary circumstances. Without well-trained soldiers and non-commissioned officers, no army can successfully carry out its mission. That is why the Training Command is the initiator of the Serbian Army, a place where young people ready and willing to serve the motherland are forged and tempered. Your role, when the decision is made to reactivate mandatory military service, will be even more significant and greater. Be ready to realize all the tasks that the General Staff of our army will set before you. The realization of that project depends to a large extent on your effort and your work – emphasized Minister Gašić, emphasizing that he is confident that all members of the Training Command, as before, will complete all tasks completely, on time and with quality, and said that continue to improve manpower and work to improve the situation to ensure together that every soldier and non-commissioned officer during training acquires the knowledge and skills expected of him.

Photo: Ministry of Defense

The Commander of the Training Command, Major General Zoran Nasković, reminded that the Training Command was formed in 2007 by unifying seven centers for basic training and five centers for specialist training of types, branches and services.

– Our value today can be expressed through the ability to defend our country, both from military and non-military security threats. In the past year, we tested our abilities through a series of activities. The results tell us that we maintain and improve the necessary capabilities. To the members of the Training Command, I congratulate you on Command Day and take the opportunity to recognize you for everything you have done in the previous period to maintain and improve the condition and capabilities of our composition – said General Nasković.

The ceremony was attended by members of the collegium of the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff, members of the Ministry of Defense and the Serbian Army, representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, local governments, business entities and institutions with which successful cooperation was achieved, as well as numerous guests.