27 Second Lieutenants from the 23rd class of cadets, of whom 3 from Montenegro and 2 from Bosnia and Herzegovina, were promoted with a military ceremony at the Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski” in Skopje today.
In her address, the Minister of Defence Slavjanka Petrovska, congratulated the new officers for their motivation and perseverance in the long and challenging education process successfully completed, thanks to the modern study programmes in accordance with NATO principles of military education, the opportunity to exchange professors and cadets through the “Erasmus plus”, and defense bilateral cooperation with allies, all these enabling them to acquire knowledge and skills worthy of a NATO officer.
“You are true patriots, you who have decided to dedicate your working career to the protection of your citizens and much more than that, to actively participate in the system of collective defence and security of NATO as officers of member countries and partner countries of the Alliance”, said the Minister.
In his speech the Dean of the Military Academy, Colonel Mitko Bogdanovski emphasized that the joy of being part of the system after completing the educational process and continuing as future colleagues, collaborators, and friends, is recognizable among the newly commissioned second lieutenants. By acquiring the first star, they become part of the strongest family, the Army. Colonel Bogdanovski also expressed his belief that during their studies at the Military Academy, determined, motivated, and progressive leaders were created, armed with knowledge, experience, and example where the investments of their education will be seen during their career, and every emerging challenge will be accepted as an opportunity to grow, learn and progress.
The first-ranked cadet Nikola Anteski, who completed his education with an average of 9.54, in his address, called for integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to the duty to continue to be their guiding stars with which they will successfully cope with the challenges ahead.
The first-ranked second lieutenants Nikola Anteski, Jovana Sofronioska, and Naum Spiroski, were presented with recognition plaques for their success, by the Minister of Defence Slavjanka Petrovska, the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski, adjutant of the Commander-in-Chief, Colonel Biljana Blazheska.
Besides the Minister of Defence Slavjanka Petrovska and the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski, the Deputy Minister of Defence, the General Staff Director, the Ministry of Defence Secretary of State, the Army generals, commanders of Army units, representatives from MOD of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, families, and relatives of the cadets and other guests attended the ceremony.