A formal ceremony was held today at the barracks “Boro Menkov” in Kumanovo to mark 17 October – the Day of the Operations Command.
In addition to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, the Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski, the Chief of the Army General Staff, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, the generals of the Army, the representatives of the Ministry of Defence and of the General Staff of the Army, the military ceremony in Kumanovo was also attended by former commanders of the unit, representatives of the military-diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of local government and organizations with which the Command maintains successful cooperation.
In her address, President Siljanovska-Davkova stated that NATO membership is our strategic commitment, as well as a pledge to respect the principles of collective defense and solidarity. By fulfilling their commitments and aligning with the Alliance standards, you, the Macedonian Army, have demonstrated that even a small country can be a credible and reliable ally. Your interoperability, training and participation in joint activities are clear evidence of our significant contribution to the collective security.
I hope that the clear criteria and consistent recognition of the achievements will also be appropriately applied in the process of the European integration.
The Operations Command is one of the pillars of the defence system of the Army, as it is precisely where command, training, organization and operational capabilities meet. However, operational strength is not simply a matter of numbers and modern equipment, it depends primarily on knowledge, discipline, sound judgement and the readiness to take initiative. The true value of a military structure is demonstrated by its ability to transform available resources into coordinated and effective action. And that is exactly what you do.
In his address, Minister Vlado Misajlovski emphasised that the contribution of the Operations Command personnel to the security of the country is significant and clearly evident, both in our country and abroad. He highlighted that their dedication and readiness are particularly important and visible when responding to natural disasters, fires and other crisis situations.
“Through your participation in NATO multinational forces and operations, you directly contribute to the strengthening of the collective security and defence. Through your work, you demonstrate that Macedonia is a responsible member of the Alliance, it is a country that is not merely a beneficiary of the collective security but also actively contributes to strengthening it. This is a responsibility that cannot be measured solely by the number of completed tasks, exercises or missions,” said Minister Misajlovski.
He assured the personnel of the Operations Command that the institutional care for the members of the Army and the improvement of their professional status remain priorities for the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff. In this regard, efforts will continue to improve the working conditions, invest in human resources, develop the military capabilities and modernize the Army facilities and equipment, with one goal in mind: a “stronger, more modern and better-equipped Army,” ready to respond to the challenges and tasks arising from the national security requirements and the NATO membership commitments.
In his address, the Commander of the Operations Command, Brigadier General Mirche Gjorgoski, noted that the past period had been filled with numerous tasks and activities. “Of particular importance was the organization and successful execution of the exercise “FLASH 26”, during which our Light Infantry Battalion Group (LIBG) was successfully evaluated. The highest ratings which we received from the NATO evaluators reflect the hard work and dedication of the soldiers and officers who are part of the LIBG.” The General also addressed the ongoing modernization of the Army, which has accelerated significantly over the past period. The equipping of the LIBG with the light armored vehicles JLTV and STRYKER, as well as their entry into operational service, together with the new 105 mm BORAN howitzers and MISTRAL missiles, has strengthened the firepower of the Army and enabled it to achieve another important capability objective. This year, the Operations Command was awarded with the Order of Military Merit by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Army. “This high honor makes us all proud and represents a strong motivation and encouragement to achieve even greater results,” said General Gjorgoski in his address.
As part of the ceremony, the Second Infantry Battalion within the First Infantry Brigade was declared the best unit. Incentive awards were presented to the Operations Command personnel who had demonstrated outstanding professional performance. Additionally, a plaque was awarded to the United States Military Group, while certificates of appreciation were presented to the Special Forces Battalion, the Military Orchestra, the State Archives -Kumanovo Department and Sergeant Petre Nunev.
Appropriate recognitions were also presented to the members of the unit who had fulfilled the legal requirements for retirement during the past period, in appreciation of their contribution to the Army throughout their service.
The Operations Command traditionally commemorates this date in honor of the historic events of 17 October 1878, when the headquarters of the Kresna Uprising was established in the village of Kresna, an event that is considered as one of the bases of Macedonian military traditions.
