Today, the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade (1MIBde), a part of the Joint Operations Command, celebrated the Day of the Unit with military honors in “Strasho Pindzur” barracks in Petrovec.
The Commander of the 1.mibr, Brigadier General Mirche Gjorgoski addressed the ceremonial formation of the units of the 1MIBde and noted that the Day of the Unit is an inseparable part of the history of the brigade, by paying tribute to the libertarian traditions which are nourished as a strong motive for success and recognizable part of the cult of the brigade.
On this occasion, the Brigadier General presented the engagements and the successes of the brigade in the last period, among which the constant engagement at the south border within the border police assistance, the firefighting in the woods of Makedonski Brod, the participation in five international exercises and the confirmation of the high NATO standards in the reevaluation of the middle infantry battalion group.
On behalf of the members of the brigade he noted that the First Mechanized Infantry Brigade, as the most powerful unit of ARM, is the maneuvering core and the most vital part of the army; therefore, the members of the brigade will remain recognized for high professionalism, top training and flawless task execution, and the motto “Honor and Strength” will always lead them to serve the homeland.
The Minister of Defense, Radmila Shekerinska, congratulated the Day of the Unit and stressed that this unit contributed for the image of ARM as an army which always and everywhere helps the citizens of Macedonia.
Shekerinska also noted that all our partners witness the successes of the members of the 1MIBde during the participation in the international missions and joint exercises.
The Minister expressed gratitude and also assurance in the efforts of the Ministry of Defense and the Government for improvement of the working and living conditions in ARM.
“The Government decided to increase the salaries of all servicemen of the Army. We wanted as a Government to show that we keep our word and that we are going to fight for you just like you fight for Macedonia. Our only goal will be to improve the working conditions by every action” said the Minister. She also added that this year’s budget of the Ministry of Defense is 15% higher, she also informed that the reconstruction of roof constructions of several facilities, among which one in the “Strasho Pindzur” military barracks had already been completed. In addition, there is a financial plan for the essential equipment which by wise planning and constant investment won’t be a problem for the Army in the future.
The Minister announced that in the next ten days the procedure for procurement of uniforms for each and every member of the Army will officially start. In the next few years the defense restructuring plan will define the actions for making a stronger, better, more functional and more efficient army.
At the ceremony, besides the Minister of Defense, Radmila Shekerinska and the Chief of General Staff of ARM, Lieutenant General Metodija Velichkovski there were other guests, including the Commander of the Joint Operations Command, General Major Zoran Milevski, Generals of ARM, representatives of the Ministry of Defense and General Staff of ARM, former Commanders of the Brigade, Commanders of Commands and Units of ARM, representatives of the local government and other distinguished guests.
On the occasion of The Day of the Unit some servicemen of the Brigade were awarded for the achieved results with incentive measures and promotions, and as the best unit of the Brigade was announced the Command Battery from the Artillery Battalion from Prilep.
At the end of the ceremony, the units from the brigade had an official parade, including a show performed by the members of the Centre for Education of Macedonian Folklore “Mitevi” from Gazi Baba. At the weapons display, part of the Brigade’s equipment was presented. There were also blood donation actions and sports competitions in order to celebrate the Day of the Brigade.
By a resolution of the President of the Republic of Macedonia for determining days of the units of ARM, April 2 is determined as the Day of the 1MIBde, which is the date when this unit is transformed in accordance to the new organizational structure of ARM. By achieving the operational readiness, 1MIBde took the tasks and the responsibilities of the two former brigades, by which it became the largest combat unit in ARM.
Servicemen from several arms and services of ARM are included in this largest ARM unit which is recognized by its combat experience and participation in peace keeping missions, great number of exercise activities and high results in NATO evaluations, especially of the middle battalion group. They are also known for successful management of migration crisis challenges and selfless help to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia whenever it is necessary.
