Non-commissioned officer

A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is the heart and backbone of every unit — they lead teams, train, motivate, and care for their soldiers. An NCO is a field leader, technical expert, role model, and direct collaborator with superior officers on all matters, serving as a vital link between officers and enlisted personnel. They may hold command, managerial, or executive roles within a unit and are responsible for carrying out their duties and contributing to the success of the unit in fulfilling assigned tasks.

One can become an NCO by:

Adult citizens of the Republic of Serbia, who have completed a four-year secondary school, who have completed military service with arms under the conditions and with documentation specified in the competition. Candidates who have not completed military service with arms may also apply for NCO training if allowed by the competition.

Interested individuals should submit their applications to the organizational unit of the Serbian Armed Forces or the Ministry of Defence that has announced the competition for admission into professional military service in the capacity of an NCO.

The Serbian Armed Forces are not looking for just anyone. We seek the best, the most reliable, the most capable.

Candidates who meet the general requirements defined in the competition undergo a selection process that includes psychological assessment, specialist medical examinations, physical testing, security screening, and a panel interview.

Upon completion of the selection process for admission into professional military service as an NCO, candidates become professional NCOs of the Serbian Armed Forces, are promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and begin their service in an appropriate unit.

An NCO’s career includes assignments along both the horizontal and vertical axes of the military hierarchy throughout their service, through ranks and duties as defined by the Law on the Serbian Armed Forces, formation acts of commands and units, and the job classification system of the Ministry of Defence.

Professional development is carried out through training, exercises, and advanced courses both in Serbia and abroad, as well as through independent development by following trends in weapons and military technology.

The professional development model for NCOs is a standardized process that ensures equal career opportunities for all NCOs in terms of education and training, appointments, and advancement in service.