The NCOs took the oath

According to the words of the Minister, the NCOs pledged to take care of the soldiers assigned to them, and hereafter they serve not only themselves, but also their comrades, the nation and the country. “You have chosen a profession that involves many trials, self-abnegation, challenges (…), be worthy of your oath, serve with this in mind and spirit, be proud to serve the Hungarian Defence Forces" – Tibor Benkő stated, adding: “be proud of your profession, but remain humble at all times, and consciously prepare for the challenges, be worthy of wearing the uniform, and set an example to the society."

Minister of Defence pointed out that due to the National Defence and Armed Forces Development Program, those having taken oath now, are able to begin their service in such an era, when the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) is completely renewed. During that time, not only the technical equipment is being modernized according to the highest expectations of the age, but the soldiers are guaranteed a 21st century career model, which includes the continuing education and preparation. “The renewal, that lies ahead of the Hungarian Defence Forces, provides an opportunity for you, and provides an opportunity for the Hungarian people, for the country to live in peace and security. You are at the head of this noble mission. You should form the backbone of the Hungarian Defence Forces, you should deal with the training, the preparation of the soldiers, and with all the things that serve peace" – the Minister underlined.

In his festive speech, Lieutenant General Ferenc Korom, the HDF Commander said that being a non-commissioned officer is not just a job, but a vocation; the present NCOs are not simply executors of military tasks, but they are expected to take responsibility for organising and leading the task-execution. He highlighted that among the graduates, there were infantry, artillery, engineering, tanker, signalling and logistics non-commissioned officers, and they have all become the new members of a cohesive community, for whom the love and the selfless service of the homeland carry eternal values. “I believe and advocate that military values such as camaraderie and team spirit, give moral strength not only to the HDF members, but at the same time they strengthen the solidarity of the civil communities, and thus they form the foundation of a nation dedicated to their Motherland" – the Commander said. The oath determines the future, and gives such an amount of power, which is essential for the defence of the country, for the service of the nation – he noted.

At the event Lieutenant General Ferenc Korom presented a graduation saber to Sergeant Glória Szófia Vörös, who attained the highest achievement in the two-year, full-time NCO-training. The sergeant in response to our question said that his father and a woman soldier living nearby inspired her to choose the military career. Over the period of her training the final exams posed the greatest challenges to her, as then – for four weeks – the candidates are under constant pressure. Finally, she managed to complete her studies majoring in signalling, and she begins her service as an NCO technician at the Budapest Garrison Brigade. Her greatest desire is to serve in a mission, and to take part in the education of the junior staff.

The NCO graduation ceremony was graced with the presence of Deputy Minister Szilárd Németh, the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and István Szabó, the State Secretary for Defence of the Ministry. The music of Szentendre Garrison Band and the foot drill display of the Special Parade Unit of the HDF vitéz Szurmay Sándor Budapest Garrison Brigade contributed to the success of the event.