ANNIVERSARIES

25th Jubilee Celebrations

25th JUBILEE OF THE FOUNDATIOIN OF THE ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Chronological Order of Activities for the 25th Jubilee Celebrations

The celebration of the 25th Jubilee of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia was going on in complex circumstances and modest budget which was taken from the overall budget designated to ARM and their normal functioning without having separate amount of funds for the celebrations.

The jubilee was accordingly celebrated with activities for public representation of the Macedonian Army in accordance with the Plan of Activities for 25th Jubilee of the foundation of the ARM. The focus for celebrating the jubilee was given by the General Staff of the ARM.

The activities were focused on celebrating the days of each unit and significant historical events on which the foundation of the ARM is based. In addition, the exercise activity, such as the 21st Conference of Chiefs of General Staff, US – Adriatic Charter Defense Ministerial (A-5) was also included in the planned activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The activities started with designing a logo for the jubilee by the General Staff of ARM which was symbiosis between the ARM symbol with its constitutional functions and the state symbols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After being approved, the logo was used in all correspondence, on the ARM web page, and on banners and fliers used during the ARM activities with the public. Moreover, for the first time Macedonian Post supported the issuing of a postal stamp of ARM which made history.

The historical events which were celebrated with public and media were: taking over of the first border tower “Ramna Niva”, taking control of the state border, taking over the biggest military installation “Ilinden”, and welcoming the first military serviceman in the ARM. A few of the actual participants were present at the celebration of some of the activities as well as distinguished guests, including the Supreme Commander of the ARM, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, who addressed the audience at the border tower “Ramna Niva”.

 

 

Among the other significant activities which celebrated the Jubilee of the foundation of ARM was the joint military exercise “Dragon Guardian” with the forces of the United States European Command at the TA “Krivolak” from 28.07 to 10.08.2017. On the Day of the distinguished guest on the exercise a lot of high military and state representatives were present, including foreign ambassadors in Macedonia. In addition, another activity was the military exercise “Macedonian flash 13”, when NATO evaluation Level 2 of Middle Infantry Battalion group was assessed in accordance with the Combined Joint Operations catalogue of NATO capacities and capabilities.

 

The central celebration of the Jubilee of the foundation of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia was on the 18th of August, which is the Day of ARM. Prior to this celebration there were tactical and technical demonstrations in front of the civilian population in Skopje, in all garrisons where ARM units work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were extensive preparations prior the central celebration, including interaction with the civilians at the military stadium who had an opportunity to see the available military equipment as well as the performance of professional DJs.

The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Macedonia, Radmila Shekerinska and the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov addressed the audience at the central celebration. Moreover, he presented a Medal for Military Merits to the Honour Battalion and the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion within the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

 

 

 

 

 

All celebration activities in the jubilee year were followed with interest; therefore, ARM servicemen were twenty-one times guests on national TV stations and twice on local TV stations. In addition, there were two TV documentaries and two articles about the ARM, and thirty-six out of fifty-nine activities were covered by the media.

 

Celebration of 20th Anniversary

Jubilee 20 YEARS ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Timeline of implementation of the annual program activities

 

The celebration of the anniversary is an opportunity to see two decades of development of our army, which began to function in extremely difficult and complex political and military conditions, with modest means, when practically it all started from the beginning.

With a number of suitable activities, the Macedonian Army admirably celebrated the “20 years ARM” anniversary. In the planning of the activities and their implementation, the initial directions and instructions have been fully respected regarding the availability of staff of the Ministry of Defense and the Army, Macedonian citizens and the international public, and special emphasis was given to the media coverage.

For successful implementation of the activities, with a decision by the Minister of Defense and an Order by the Chief of Staff of ARM, a Coordinating body was established to manage the activities in the process of preparation and implementation.
As of 19.02.2012, after the successful promotion of the annual program, the following activities were achieved:

 

• Promotion of activities of the Annual program, the logo of the “20 years Army” anniversary and ​​a promotional brochure. An update on the MOD website with the promotional brochure and logo,
• Officials were appointed for each activity of MoD and ARM, and a system of communication, coordination, notification and exchange of information was established,
• Initiated procedures for providing material and technical resources anticipated to cover the cost of implementation for each activity separately,
• The coordination meetings were implemented as required and according to the agreed pace,
• The directions of the management structure of the MOD and GS were timely and successful in the operational implementation of the activities,
• Achieved coordination meetings with the mayors of Stip, Berovo, Kavadarci, Kumanovo, Tetovo and Kicevo. At the meeting, besides promotion of the key activities of the annual program, special emphasis was given to the activities directly or indirectly related to the local governments (lectures in elementary and secondary schools, open days in barracks, preparations for having the NCO cross-country races, active participation of teams from the local government in all army sports competitions, organizing a national expert panel, promotional concerts of the military orchestra and considering the possibilities for giving advertising space in the central parts of cities),
• The conference of Ministers of Defense of the United States-Adriatic Charter “Common Challenges and allied solutions” was implemented in the period from 28 – 30.03.2012 in Skopje. The Macedonian Army was involved in the activities of administrative protocol character. All tasks and duties were carried out according to plan, with quality and the instructions of the appointed officials of the activity,
• Successful promotion of the new Army anthem and opening fanfare.
• Fully completed procedures for amending state law to draft decorations medals to members of the security forces and the Rules for recognition of the Macedonian Army (documents published in the Official Gazette and in force),
• The planned international biathlon was implemented as planned and according to the given guidelines and instructions in February 2012 in Krushevo,
• The arrival of the first recruits in the Army of Republic of Macedonia was realized as planned and organized on 12.04.2012. A representative of GS participated in the celebration in garrison Kicevo, where the first recruit officially arrived,
• The activity “20 saplings for 20 years ARM” was conducted in all Army garrisons. The central activity was conducted in the grounds of the MOD and GS on 12.04.2012, with the presence of the former and active generals, military attaches accredited in the Republic of Macedonia and the head of the NATO Advisory Team and the representatives of the MOD leadership structure of RM.
• The planned international scientific conference: The role of active and reserve members of the armed forces in support of their missions and objectives in regional and global security environment in the 21st century was held on 23.04.2012 in the Hall of ARM in Skopje. The preparations were as planned and coordinated with the Association of veterans and reservists from the defense and security of the Republic of Macedonia,
• All army garrisons sports competitions involving one or two teams of local governments are fully realized. The final and friendly matches were held in Skopje garrison,
• The association of veterans and reservists from the defense and security of the Republic of Macedonia held second activity – national professional conference in several cities in Macedonia on “Army of the Republic of Macedonia 1992 – 2012” – formation, development and challenges.
• a catalog of the predicted MTA for the central event, i.e. for the military parade in Ilinden barracks.
• Media coverage was conducted as planned and according to the guidelines of the management structure and the PR responsible officials of the MOD and GS.
• In cooperation with the authorities, i.e. the officials of the MoD conducted planed and coordinated preparations for issuing the White Paper on defense and the festive edition of the magazine Shtit,
• Military orchestra meticulously realized the promotional concerts in several cities in the Republic of Macedonia. Tour of the military orchestra is predicted to finish with a big concert on the Macedonia square in Skopje. The approval and possible locations to hold concerts were reached in cooperation with the local government,
• Implemented humanitarian campaigns for donations of clothing and footwear by the staff of ARM,
• Campaign for voluntary blood donations,
• Open days in the barracks – sending an invitation to primary and secondary schools to visit the units all over Macedonia,
• Central tactical – technical demonstration on the Military Stadium in Skopje,
• Academy Gala and reception followed by a military orchestra concert and awarding commendations and awards for special service in the interest of the Army.

 

The central event happened in Ilinden barracks – 18.08.2012.

The units of the Army of Republic of Macedonia were presented in a parade led by the Chief of Staff, Major General Goranco Koteski, in the barracks “Ilinden” in Skopje on the occasion of the Day of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia and the celebration “20 years ARM”.

 

In front of the state and the military leadership – Macedonian President George Ivanov, Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanovski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Macedonia, Fatmir Besimi and other members of government, military and diplomatic corps accredited in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the numerous citizens, echelons marched of all branches of the Army and an echelon of members of the U.S. Army.

 

The Military air force, i.e. the Air Force brigade as an attractive segment of the Macedonian Army was presented by combat-transport helicopters Mi-24, transport helicopters Mi-8/17 and planes Zlin 242L.

 

The presentation, of over 100 military – technical assets and vehicles that are part of the arms of the Macedonian Army began with an echelon of vehicles from signals, equipped with modern and highly sophisticated communication and information resources, followed by echelon of “Humvee” combat vehicles, assets for anti – air defense, mainly missile systems “Arrow 10” and “Igla”, an echelon of APCs “Hermelin” and an echelon of artillery assets – howitzers of 105 mm, 122 mm, multiple rocket launcher system BM -21 ” Grad ” and multiple rockets “Flame”.

The artillery assets were followed by armored personnel carriers BTR-80 and BMP-2, and what sparked great interest, of course, was an echelon of T-72 tanks, which has great firepower and maneuver capabilities to the extent that it represents a striking force in combat actions.

With repeated flights of the aircrafts from the Army of the Republic of Macedonia the parade on the occasion of the Day of the Army and the anniversary “20 years ARM” was officially ended.

 

The display of the highly sophisticated assets, as well as the professional members of the ARM proved that the army during the two decades of existence manages to maintain continuous growth and progress, a fact which is confirmed by the unselfish contribution of ARM in international peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Celebration of 10th Anniversary

The ten year anniversary of the ARM was celebrated with suitable ceremonies across the country. The main celebration was held in the “Ilinden” barracks.

 

The President and Supreme Commander of the armed forces of ARM, Boris Trajkovski greeted and paid tribute to the ARM members for their uncompromised fighting against terrorism. Macedonia needs a modern, mobile, well trained and equipped modern army. That army is needed for the collective security systems, the entire international community and the international anti-terrorist coalition. With great enthusiasm, love for the one’s own country and the ancient, ten years ago the Macedonian defense became independent and formed the Army of Republic of Macedonia. Since we are not a tree without roots, August 18 was declared the day of ARM, the day when the first bigger unit in National Liberation War, the battalion “Mirce Acev” was formed. It all began modestly, almost without equipment, but with well-trained officers and soldiers recruits who filled the Macedonian barracks. Today, ten years later, the Army of the Republic is an army worth respect. ARM has grown into a small but modern, professional army, with well-trained officers and soldiers and equipped by NATO standards. With its quality, organization, with the training and equipment, ARM is actually with one foot already in NATO. That pride, that feeling of growing and growing up into a small, mobile, a real professional army, with the defenders of the independence and territorial integrity, which were the first that stood at the defense line of the motherland, dominated on the distinguished celebration of the Day and the tenth anniversary of the Army the Republic of Macedonia all over the country. The main ceremony was held in the barracks “Ilinden”, and it was also similar in the barracks in Bitola, Tetovo, Stip …

 

The military ceremony at the barracks “Ilinden” in Skopje was attended by the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander in of the Armed Forces, Boris Trajkovksi, Defence Minister Vlado Popovski, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Metodi Stamobliski, the former and first president of the Republic of Macedonia Kiro Gligorov, many citizens, previous defense ministers and chiefs of staff, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and international missions of Macedonia.

 

After the report of the commander of the ceremony, Brigadier General Dragan Andreski, the fallen soldiers of the Second World War and the killed members of the Macedonian security forces in defense of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Macedonia, was paid tribute with a minute of silence.

 

Addressing the lineup of officers and soldiers and before the attendants of the ceremony, the president and supreme commander of the armed forces of the Republic of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski said that in the military operations in 2001, the Macedonian Army had losses that and we must not and will not ever forget. “Our duty is to improve and even more strengthen the Army of Republic of Macedonia, which is also a debt to their sacrifice,” Trajkovski said.

 

“The army, as an army of all citizens must continue to exist in its permanent commitment to continuously contribute to restoring the peace and trust among the citizens,” Trajkovski said adding that “finally, the global threat of terrorism has shown that countries, regardless of their power, cannot independently fight against it.”

 

“Macedonia needs a modern, mobile, well trained and equipped modern army. That army is needed for the collective security systems, the entire international community and the international anti-terrorist coalition”, said the head of state, adding that its main task is the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state.

 

“It is the framework in which to consider all activities of the institution. We should say loud and clear that it should be organized and prepared to respond to its function,” Trajkovski said.

 

To face the challenges, ARM must be fully prepared, which includes sufficient funding and expertise. “The issue of knowledge and the use of the level of preparedness is extremely important, emphasized Trajkovski, because the Macedonian Army will be even better defender of peace and security, if better use of the knowledge is applied in shaping its human and material potential.” According to Trajkovski, military educational staff is required to prepare timely assessments of the new risks and to have the most optimal response to them.

 

The head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces, for the question of accession of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO, expressed confidence that the summit in Prague in November will be a moment of extraordinary importance for the security, prosperity and future of Macedonia, while the Army with the uncompromising continuation of the reforms will only help the policy in defense of the arguments that our place is in the Euro-Atlantic family, not outside of it.

 

“Only such an approach will enable the realization of the main priorities in the transformation and modernization of the army, as well as its preparation for participation in peacekeeping missions in the conflict areas within the multinational peacekeeping forces.”

 

After the speech of President Trajkovski, there was also a parade of the echelons of the garrisons in the country among which were the echelons of Special Forces “Wolves”, “Scorpions” and “Leopards”, echelons of the Land Forces of the Republic of Macedonia and echelons of members the Air Force and the Army air defense, from training centers in Veles and Bitola and the cadets of the Military Academy.

 

Participants on the celebration with great attention reviewed a part of the displayed modern weapons which Macedonian army has. On the occasion of the ten year anniversary, decrees, orders and praise for members of the Ministry of Defense and the Army were read. Among the other assets of the ARM, we single out the modern infantry assets of the command of Land Forces, the T-72 and T-55 tanks, the APC BTR M-80, the 155 mm and 122mm howitzers, the “GRAD”, arrow -10 and needle systems, motor vehicles with communicational devices, as well as motor vehicles for transportation of people, the workshop, the trailer kitchen and the ambulance.

 

This, the latest equipment of ARM, which is operated by well trained, above all, professional soldiers, the best describes the growth of the Macedonian army on its way to the top, i.e. NATO and collective defense systems. The true and brave defenders of our territorial integrity, the guardians of our peace, were and remain the first line of defense of the independence of our country.

 

• Ceremonies in Bitola, Tetovo, Stip …

On the occasion of the Day of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia and the celebration of the 10th anniversary, a ceremony was held in the barracks “Kuzman Josifovski – Pitu” in Tetovo.

 

On that occasion, in the presence of the representatives of the municipal combat organization, the Macedonian police and the community, there was a lineup of the unit. At the ceremony, Brigadier General Joseph Bogoevski spoke of the role and meaning of the Day of the Army, as well as its 10th anniversary. For distinguished commitment and contribution in achieving the tasks of the Army there were given acknowledgments and awards, and some were promoted to higher ranks.

 

Day of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia was celebrated also at the barracks “Jane Sandanski” in Stip , at which the unit commander in Stip , Brigadier General Miroslav Stojanovski gave a speech. He noted that August 18 is one of the greatest days in the history of the Macedonian people, because on this day, exactly 59 years ago, the first military formation was formed on mountain Slavej. “After the independence of the Republic of Macedonia, this day is celebrated as the Day of the ARM, which marks ten years of its independence, promotions and following all the modern trends in the field of defense,” Pavlov said.

 

In honor of the Day of the ARM, in the Alley of people’s heroes, members of the army, local government and the Association of veterans of People’s Liberation War in Shtip laid flowers at the monument of the first Macedonian general and commander of the armed units of Macedonia during the Second World War , Mihailo Apostoloski. Flowers were also laid on the monument of the fallen members of the ARM during the conflicts last year.

 

On the occasion of August 18 – the Day of the Army of Republic of Macedonia, in the barracks, “Stephen Naumov – Steve” in Bitola, a memorial for the fallen defenders of ARM in the last clashes with Albanian terrorists was revealed. Flowers were also placed on the memorial bust of the hero Steve Naumov, set in the barracks, and Lieutenant Commander Toso Ampevski in the Army Hall in Bitola spoke before the formal meeting staff and the other guests – participants at the ceremony organized by the corps. As pointed out on that occasion, “the courage and sacrifice of the defenders will remain a lasting roadmap for how one should defend independent and sovereign Macedonia”.

 

• Speech by Minister Popovski

On the line of defense of the independence of the country

“In 1992, the Law on Defense was passed, on April 15 ARM was formed, and on “Ramna niva” began guarding the border of the Republic of Macedonia. ARM is one of the pillars of the function of preserving the independence and territorial integrity of the state”, the Minister of Defense Vlado Popovski said, on the occasion of the ten-year anniversary of the development and the Day of the Army of Republic of Macedonia, 18 August.

 

Turning to the beginnings of the formation of the Army, Minister Popovski said it started with ten thousand rifles, few tens of thousands of M – 48 firearms, and smaller quantities of arms with short and medium range, as well as a number of professional staff.

 

“In these ten years, he said, we can observe a continuous process of reform, equipping and training the ARM in order to effectively defend the country.”

 

“Last year, during a military crisis ARM fought for the independence of the country and increased the pace of creating their own organization by NATO standards”, Popovski said adding that they make every effort to fully reach the standards for membership in the Alliance.

 

• Speech by Prime Minister Georgievski

True courage

“The celebration on August18, the day of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, this year has special significance because 10 years have passed since the formation of our army,” said the note sent for the celebration of the Day of the Army by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, Minister Georgievski.

 

“Ten years is a long time to achieve great results in the development of the defense system, but according to what ​​our military has accomplished, we can be proud of your great success.

 

The past ten years, especially the last two, the security forces of the Republic of Macedonia showed real courage in defending the independence and territorial integrity of the country, in maintaining internal peace and stability.”

Celebration of 5th Anniversary

The fifth anniversary of the formation and the Day of ARM were an occasion to hold the main event on August 18, 1997 in the biggest military barracks “Ilinden” in Skopje. In the presence of the highest government and military officials, numerous guests from the diplomatic corps and the political and public life of the country, as well as a few thousand citizens, the celebration was opened by the Minister of Defence, Dr. Lazar Kitanoski, and the President and Supreme commander of the armed forces of the Republic Macedonia, Kiro Gligorov addressed the attendants.

According to the transformation of ARM by the standards of the armies of the Alliance, the ceremony was also an opportunity to promote the first brigadier generals, as well as the lieutenants of the ARM services. As befit, the ceremony’s most attractive part was the parade of the military echelons of all arms and classes from ARM. In addition, as a step towards bringing our army closer to the NATO standards, there was a promotion of the proposal for the new parade step in ARM. The ceremony ended with the signing of the oath by the recruits from the July contingent.