The second group of 55 non-commissioned officers out of 120 professional soldiers were promoted Thursday at a ceremony at the Ilinden military barracks. Certificates were handed out to the three best ranked soldiers.
Minister of Defence Radmila Shekerinska attended the promotion and told the non-commissioned offers that they set an example for how professional soldiers can serve their country, added that more officers will join their ranks in the second half of 2021.
“You are guiding every future soldier, you inspire and motivate them, as well as teach them discipline and responsibility because you know what it takes to be a good and loyal professional soldiers. You are the Army’s backbone and every country needs its pillar to stand tall and firm,” Minister Shekerinska said.
She added that they will be responsible for a lot of soldiers and their position towards the Army will be reflected in that of their successors.
“You shoulder great responsibility, but I have no doubt that you’ll rise to the challenge,” Shekerinska stressed.
According to her, the Army has achieved with Thursday’s promotion one of its key goals, not just for 2021, but the past decade.
For 11 years, she added, the Army didn’t offer a such a course, accumulating a lack of over 500 non commissioned officers, without whom no Army, let alone one of a NATO member, can be complete. This year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed to complete this task, the Minister stressed.
Shekerinska also discussed at the event new uniforms and equipment for all Army members. Moreover, she briefed event participants on increased salaries for soldiers and changes to the Law on Army Service.
The course for non-commissioned officers, organized after an 11-year hiatus, began on Nov. 28, 2020 and ended on Feb. 4, 2021. A group of 65 soldiers took part in the training. The second group of 55 soldiers, promoted on Thursday, started the course on Feb. 22. They trained at the ‘Krivolak’ army field and the ‘Pepelishte’ training center, under experienced instructors.
The course teaches non-commissioned officers military skills, leadership, ethics, basic army knowledge and offers practical training.
