Today, 10 November, at the “General Mihailo Apostolski” Military Academy in Skopje, the cadets of the 29th class and the trainees of the Officers Course took their solemn oath. The ceremony was attended by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, the Minister of Defense, Vlado Misajlovski, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, the Dean of the Military Academy, Colonel Nenad Tanevski, generals of the Army, representatives of the military-diplomatic corps accredited to the country, as well as other guests from the Army, the Ministry of Defense, and relatives of the cadets.
President Siljanovska-Davkova stated that the cadets were joining the Army at a time when they were most needed; a period of growing hostilities and tensions, ongoing military conflicts, and deep geopolitical shifts and changes.
“As future officers of both the Macedonian and NATO army, you are expected to uphold and practice the highest professional and moral standards in addressing all types of threats; traditional, but also asymmetric and hybrid, in both physical and cyber domains. Yet, you must never neglect or forget the ethical and moral values if you wish to remain human and be true individuals,” she said.
Minister Misajlovski told the new cadets and officers that the uniform they wear represents responsibility, emphasizing that within the army family, “integrity and loyalty to the homeland are strong and inspiring values passed down from generation to generation.”
“You will face challenges that will test your physical readiness and mental endurance. You will learn the skills of the military profession, when to react quickly, to be decisive, but also patient,” he said. He added that the process of military education would teach them that true strength and ability lie not only in the knowledge and skills they acquire, but also in the uniqueness of their character, perseverance, and belief that they serve something much greater than themselves.
The Minister emphasized that the Academy is a symbol of excellence as a military institution, “which for more than 30 years has produced leaders who, through knowledge and patriotism, bear the responsibility for the security and stability of the country.”
The Dean of the Academy, Colonel Nenad Tanevski, stated that the oath also represents a pledge to the flag, “a centuries-old thread of loyalty connecting every generation that has fought for the freedom of our country.” He added that the solemn oath is a promise to oneself, to the nation, and to the historical legacy to protect the homeland with knowledge, discipline, and dedication.
“For three decades, the Military Academy has stood on the foundations of these ideals. Our mission is to form a modern officer; educated, moral, and determined, a person who understands the weight of the word duty and the greatness of the word honour,” Tanevski concluded.
This year, the “General Mihailo Apostolski” Military Academy enrolled 31 cadets as part of the 29th class and 28 trainees in the Officer Course.
