Today, 16 January 2026, with a military ceremony held at the Training and Doctrine Command, “Alekso Demnievski – Bauman” barracks in Veles, 296 newly-recruited professional soldiers took the oath of service in the Army.
In his speech Minister Misajlovski stressed that the oath of professional soldiers is not merely a formal act, but also a pledge to protect the country and its citizens.
“By taking the solemn oath you have made a fundamental step in your lives. Those are not just words, but a promise that binds you to the people and the country – that you will be the shield of the state,” said Minister Misajlovski, adding that professional soldiers have the honor to be part of an institution that represents one large Army family.
Minister Misajlovski emphasized that the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff will continue to work on improving the working conditions and strengthening the rights of Army members, in order to build a strong, motivated and professional Army, ready to respond to all challenges and to protect the country and its citizens.
In his address, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski stated that: “Today you affirm your determination, your love for the homeland, and your interest in the military profession, placing yourselves in the service of something most sacred, unique, and irreplaceable.”
Referring to the challenges ahead, General Lafchiski pointed out that joining the army of a NATO member state is a privilege, adding: “New opportunities open before you for a continuous professional development, learning from the best, sharing experiences, and participating in international missions, where you will be able to demonstrate your skills and professionalism, as well as show the readiness and dedication of Macedonian soldiers.”
On the occasion, the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, Brigadier General Lulzim Nuredini, said: “By taking the solemn oath, you officially enter active military service and assume a constitutional, legal, and moral obligation to the Army and the state,” underlying that “this obligation begins today and lasts throughout your military career.”
Today’s oath-taking ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Chief of Army General Staff, Major General Azim Nuredin; the State Secretary at the Ministry of Defense, Elizabeta Chupovska-Ristova; The Director of the Army General Staff, Brigadier General Orce Jordev; the Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Dejan Chiplakovski; representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the Army General Staff; as well as relatives and family members of the newly enlisted professional soldiers.
