Stefanovic: Record numbers of Serbians apply for voluntary military service

Photo: MoD

Minister of Defense Nebojsa Stefanovic today thanked young people in Serbia for registering for voluntary military service in record numbers this September - the highest in the last six years.

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He stressed that he is extremely proud that they decided to serve their country in this way and for showing such magnificent love for our Serbia.

"They will have the opportunity to gain new knowledge, meet new people and acquire new skills during the six months of military service, to see why it is important for someone to serve their country. Serbia has made significant progress on respectable global lists that evaluate armed forces, and this shows that everyone recognizes our investments not only in equipment and technology, which are the largest in recent decades, but also in people, the most important thing that makes up our army," said Minister Stefanovic.

According to him, this represents a recognition for our country, but we are especially proud of the young people who apply to serve.

"Almost 80 percent of young people, who come to voluntarily serve in the military, decide to continue serving their country as professional soldiers. Many later become non-commissioned officers in our army and truly form the backbone of our defense system. We have made sure that during their military service they lack for nothing - in addition to accommodation, food, travel expenses, health insurance - they also have a monthly allowance of 38,000 dinars, because we want them to see that their country takes care of them. Of course, their first military salaries as professionals will be significantly higher, and thanks to President Vucic and his efforts, starting next year we will have 25 percent higher salaries in the entire defense system," said the minister.

Stefanovic stressed that military service will be an excellent opportunity for these young people to see if they are ready to face the challenges that many generations before them have overcome, but also to help our country remain strong and independent and able to continue to make its decisions exclusively in the interest of its own people.

(Telegraf.rs)