Mandatory military service is being reintroduced, with conscription starting in September

Gašić said that whether compulsory military service will be introduced from March 1 next year depends on the security and socio-political situation in Serbia and around the world.

“We are ready. Of course, when the competent institution assesses that we can enter the process—first by adopting a law in the parliament, and then by beginning the first conscription calls. I am proud of all members of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Serbia who have worked very dedicatedly over the past year to prepare the conditions for receiving the first conscripts,” he told RTS.

He also pointed out that the global security situation is very complex and that the Armed Forces of Serbia are closely monitoring developments.

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“We see that not only in our immediate surroundings but also around the world, compulsory military service is increasingly being reintroduced, because it has proven to be a necessity—no state can fully meet its professional capacity needs. Serbia has taken this path, and I expect a good response from young people,” Gašić said.

He added that women will also have the opportunity to serve voluntarily in the military, and that special facilities are being prepared for them.

When asked about the possibility of securing permanent employment contracts within the Serbian Armed Forces, Gašić said that significant progress had been made with the adoption of legal amendments last year, ensuring a more secure future for professional soldiers.

“For decades, under the previous law, they would leave the Armed Forces of Serbia after reaching a certain number of years of service because they had no future. However, now they can provide much better for their families and, with contracts, calmly wait for retirement and focus on their professional duties,” he said.

Commenting on the fact that the Serbian Armed Forces, along with the church and the police, have enjoyed the highest levels of public trust for years, Gašić said that the military is composed of hardworking and good people who come from the population and put the state and the people of Serbia first.

“These are likely the reasons why citizens of Serbia have great trust in the Armed Forces and its members,” he said.

He also noted that, in addition to peacekeeping missions, members of the Serbian Armed Forces are engaged in protecting the population during natural disasters and providing assistance to citizens.

“In the past 15 years, Serbia has faced many such situations—from fires and floods and everything else—and the Armed Forces have always taken on part of the responsibility to help citizens. I believe it is no coincidence that, alongside the President of the Republic and the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Armed Forces also enjoy such a position and such trust among citizens,” Gašić said.