At military barracks ‘Boro Menkov’ in Kumanovo members of the Operations Command (OC) marked the Day of the Unit with a military ceremony attended by Minister of Defence, Slavjanka Petrovska and the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski.
At the ceremony, of the highest Army command on operational level, the Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and the OC Commander, Brigadier General Besnik Emini addressed the present guests. Incentives were awarded to members of the Command, and the best unit out of subordinate formation units was declared.
In his speech, Brigadier General Emini emphasized that the Command, as one of the pillars of defence, continually works towards improving operations and combat readiness skills and capabilities of its units, pointing out that investing in modernization and equipment led to enhanced operability and integration with the allied structures aiming at joint actions and response to all types of threats. At the same time, he encouraged OC members to continue performing their duties and tasks with the same commitment, personal integrity and bravery adding to successful building of the image of a contemporary soldier of our army.
Minister Petrovska stressed that not only do Army members, mostly coming from units of this Command, participate in multinational NATO operations and contribute to the collective security, but they are also engaged to help and support our allies when dealing with natural disasters.
Furthermore, she stated that the Ministry of Defence constantly works on providing better conditions in order to motivate each member of the OC units. ‘Each member of the Army, part of these units deserves it, because with your daily efforts you prove that you are true professionals with integrity, skills and capabilities, patriots who have dedicated all your professional life for our security and safety’said the minister.
Different incentives were awarded to OC members who have achieved outstanding results in their work, as well as to civilian structures and organizations which cooperate with the Command. 1st Infantry Battalion from Kichevo was declared best unit of the 1st Infantry Brigade.
During the ceremony, members of the unit who have recently met the legal requirements for retirement were acknowledged accordingly for their contribution to the Army throughout their career.
Besides the Minister of Defence and the Chief of GS, the ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Defence Tiron Jajaga; Deputy Chief of GS, Major General Azim Nuredin; State Secretary in the MoD Vladimir Anchev; GS Director, Brigadier General Simeon Trajkovski; presidential cabinet advisor Blerim Kolalli; Army Generals, former OC commanders; representatives of the military-diplomatic corps and the SEEBRIG Command; representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff, as well as representatives of the local government and institutions which cooperate with the Command.
The Operations Command celebrates October 17th as the Day of the Unit commemorating one of the most significant historical events upon which Army traditions were founded. In 1887, in the village of Kresna, the Macedonian-Kresna uprising marked the establishment of the first known Staff of an organized army formation.
Being the highest command on operational level in the Army, the Operations Command is most responsible for preparing its commands and units to fulfill the constitutional tasks of the Army, as well as to participate in peace operations and contribute to and assist state institutions in crisis situations.
