Ceremony for admitting candidates into military service held in Pazarić: Best candidate of the 33rd class Rajko Ivanović

(Patria) - Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez attended the formal ceremony on the occasion of the completion of training for candidates for admission into professional military service in the BiH Armed Forces in the initial rank of soldier, which was held at the Center for Basic Training at the "Zaim Imamović" barracks location - Pazarić, on Friday, August 29, 2025.

This 33rd class consists of 320 young soldiers, including 47 female members.

The ceremony was attended by BiH Armed Forces generals, brigade commanders and commands within the BiH Armed Forces, officers, parliamentary military ombudsman Boško Šiljegović, military diplomatic representatives and representatives of EUFOR in BiH, as well as family members and friends.

Minister Helez addressed the attendees, stating that he is happy and proud that today these young people from all parts of our homeland are taking the military oath.

"They swear to serve Bosnia and Herzegovina, protect its sovereignty, respect its laws, and defend its people. This is the greatest honor and the highest responsibility a citizen can undertake. That is precisely why all of us here express our sincere and deep respect to you. I am proud of you because, in these challenging times, you have decisively and bravely shown that you are here for your homeland. You are here to preserve the peace, freedom, and independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those who are ready to protect the security of their fellow citizens and the sovereignty of their country deserve special respect," said Helez.

The Minister of Defense of BiH emphasized that the BiH Armed Forces are modern, professional, and multinational, and that they belong to all of us, regardless of name or origin.

"I especially want to thank the parents because you have raised these young people and, by your example, guided them towards serving the common good. In a time when the public and the common are often neglected, you have reason to be proud. Thank you for that," said Minister Helez.

"Soldiers, from today you are no longer just individuals. You are becoming part of a system that relies on discipline, responsibility, and collective strength. In the army, there are no differences based on name or origin. In the army, you breathe as one, protect each other and protect the homeland, wear the uniform with dignity, and always keep in mind that you are defending not only the borders but also the freedom, dignity, and future of all our citizens," the Minister of Defense conveyed.

In the end, the minister especially thanked the instructors, officers, and non-commissioned officers, as well as the other staff of the Center for Basic Training, led by Commander Colonel Isaković, for their selfless contribution to the training of this class of soldiers.

Rajko Ivanović received the award for the best candidate of the 33rd class.