Interview with General Ljubisa Dikovic for Odbrana magazine
Monday, 1.4.2013 | Interviews
The Armed Forces played an important role in the creation of the Serbian statehood. Continuing that bright tradition, the Serbian Armed Forces still has a clear vision in achieving the primary objective, the defence of the country and contributing to peace. The Day of the Serbian Armed Forces – 23 April, will be marked this year for the second time. It is celebrated in commemoration of the day in the year 1815, when the Second Serbian Uprising was raised in Takovo. On the religious...
Devotion to the Armed Forces and Serbia
The Armed Forces played an important role in the creation of the Serbian statehood. Continuing that bright tradition, the Serbian Armed Forces still has a clear vision in achieving the primary objective, the defence of the country and contributing to peace.
The Day of the Serbian Armed Forces – 23 April, will be marked this year for the second time. It is celebrated in commemoration of the day in the year 1815, when the Second Serbian Uprising was raised in Takovo. On the religious holiday of Palm Sunday, 11 April (23 April in the Gregorian calendar) in 1815, the Serbian officers gathered in Takovo and decided, after the breakdown of the First Serbian Uprising and even worsened situation of the population under the Ottoman rule, to raise a new uprising for freedom and the continuation of the brave beginning of the creation of the modern Serbian state. The Armed Forces played an important role in the creation of the Serbian statehood.
Continuing the bright tradition, the Serbian Armed Forces still has a clear vision in achieving the primary objective, the defence of the country and contributing to peace.
On the occasion of the holidays, Chief of General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic, points out the assessment from the recent analysis of the operational and functional capabilities of the armed forces that the improved command raised to a higher level the quality of staff activities that contribute to the decision making, planning and execution of the operation, and that the Serbian Armed Forces is able to respond to all tasks from its three missions.
General, are there any forms of military threats to Serbia. What are the potential threats in the country and the region nowadays and what is the situation in the Ground Safety Zone in southern Serbia?
- The most influential factors endangering the security are the ethnic and religious extremism, international network of organized crime and illegal migration of people. These security challenges are not military specific but they are hardened due to economic crisis and are typical for all Western Balkan countries. The key to solving them is regional cooperation.
For the Republic of Serbia, the main security challenge is the issue of the status and the current situation in Kosovo and Metohija. We are witnessing the great efforts by the President and the Serbian Government to resolve this issue.
As for the Ground Safety Zone and the south of Serbia, the security situation is relatively stable. Members of the Serbian Armed Forces, in cooperation with the MoI members are responsible in performing their regular tasks to secure the administrative lines thus contributing significantly to stability and security.
You have recently said in a meeting where the extraordinary events during the past year were discussed, the following: "There is no excuse for losing a man in peacetime, especially if the military organization is responsible for this." Unfortunately, in 2012, there were such tragic moments in our armed forces.
- Yes, unfortunately, we had the extraordinary events resulting in death, and life cannot be restored. The Army is an institution which is engaged in a highly risky job and every day there are tasks to be performed which entail risks to life and health of soldiers and officers. These are all kinds of shooting, use of ammunition, explosives, transportation and use of motor vehicles, parachute jumps, demanding Special Forces operations, flying, assault operations, and many other activities. It will be always performed and done, so that we could be ready for basic tasks for which we exist.
However, we must not allow that extraordinary events happen because of bad discipline, subjective failures and non-compliance with the regulations. For all actions and procedures in which the main value and the rights of a man – which is life! – might be endangered, there are measures which we should adhere to. Also, everyone needs to look after themselves and no one can look after them if they do not. We cannot be irresponsible towards our family and our beloved ones, to work not obeying the regulations thus endangering our lives thinking that nothing would happen. It is then, as a rule that extraordinary events occur. In addition, such behaviour of individuals destroy the reputation of our Armed Forces, for which most of us are committed to fight, not regretting either time or sweat.
NCO corps is very important for the functioning of a military organization. How are the NCOs recruited today?
- NCOs hold the primary responsibility for the individual training of soldiers, and direct work with soldiers, order, discipline and care for the subordinates are unthinkable without the NCOs. In the last two decades the carrier development process for those who wish to become non-commissioned officers has been revised several times. Today the NCOs are selected from among the best professional soldiers. We choose and further train those who proved themselves through their work, knowledge, qualification level and skills as potential leaders.
The NCO Training Centre in Pancevo carries out the basic, senior, specialist, command staff and didactic-methodological courses, with a total of 122 programmes for training and professional development of NCOs. Furthermore, every non-commissioned officer develops during his career and gains experience working in the units of the Armed Forces, and their work, in addition to the leaders and commanders, is monitored by Master Sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant who are the best non-commissioned officers in their units, with the highest level of authority. I think that this is an acceptable system that we have yet to refine.
To what extent is the education of cadets at the Military Academy adapted to the needs of the Serbian Armed Forces? Does it get exactly the officer it requires according to the defined missions?
- The Serbian Armed Forces declares the needs for new officers after a detailed analysis of the manning situation and the expected outflow of personnel. This determines the number of cadets to be educated at the Military Academy. As for the motivation of young officers and the quality of their education, they are at a high level. Of course, nobody reaches the pinnacle of his profession immediately after the school, but they must reach that pinnacle by their hard work. The process of acquiring knowledge in the Serbian Armed forces is permanent; it lasts from the beginning of someone's career, from the first day in the ranks to the end of the professional career. And the experience is best enriched in the units where young officers learn from their older colleagues.
What I wish to emphasize is that cadets come to units of the Serbian Armed Forces as early as at the beginning of their schooling, where soldiers take military oath together with the soldiers in voluntary military service and professional soldiers. There is no better way to learn about soldiers, their problems and needs than this – to experience the military life! And to see whether they are for this life and if this life is for them! It is also the best way to gain basic military skills and knowledge that they will need during their entire career.
What are the conditions for training in our exercise ranges, shooting ranges and training grounds? Are there any plans for more extensive and complex inter-service exercises?
- The current real estate training facilities and their capacities and equipment do not fully meet the needs of training, especially when it comes to performing some contents of tactical and live firing training of units of the battalion level and higher. In addition, the issue of the central training ground to perform major joint exercises has not been solved yet. By developing previous Study of Spatial Planning of All-Service Training Ground "Pasuljanske meadows" and Programme Requirements, the Serbian Armed Forces proposed the final solution of the appearance and necessary equipment on the training ground.
Of course, modernising and better equipping of infrastructure for training is directly related to the available funds. We are trying to show our priorities in the financial framework that is available to us. We are working hard on building the infrastructure for the training of individuals and units for participation in multinational operations, in the "South" Base that will meet international standards.
As for exercises, this year the focus has been put on the performance of multi-day and day-and-night field exercises or tactical exercises with live firing of battalion level units. Exercises are the most complex and the best form of training. They are complex, require extensive knowledge and are intended for checking the capabilities of the commands and units. The essence of success and failure is in training.
We are aware of the importance of participation in peacekeeping missions. What will be the priorities in the forthcoming period when it comes to our participation in these missions?
- Priority is to increase the engagement of the Serbian Armed Forces, in accordance with the 2013 Annual Plan for the Employment. This means that this year we are to deploy up to 475 of our members to international missions. We will be engaged in six multinational operations under the United Nations mandate, and the two missions under the leadership of the European Union.
Although militarily neutral, Serbia is trying to organize its defence system according to NATO standards. Why?
- The answer is simple - because these are the world's best standards. They include functional organization, effective procedures, excellent facilities, high level of qualification of individuals and units to perform the task, evaluated by measurable parameters and ability to carry out tasks jointly with the units of other armies.
Why is the introduction of chaplain’s service in our military important?
- The chaplain’s service in our military has a long tradition. The first time it was legally regulated as early as in 1839, under the reign of Prince Milos, when Serbia was not yet fully independent. So this is not just the introduction, but the return of the chaplain’s service.
The chaplain’s service is represented in many modern armies in the world, because it has positive impact on the operational capabilities. Therefore, it is also important for the Serbian Armed Forces. In addition, it provides members of the Armed Forces, as a specific category of citizens, to fully exercise their right to freedom of religion in accordance with the aforementioned specificity. It allows our members to express their religious feelings and meet the spiritual needs of this type.
Statistics usually records a high trust of the citizens in the Armed Forces. Is this a result of its involvement in the third mission helping the population in the event of emergencies or is it something more than that?
- Certainly, there are several reasons why the Serbian Armed Forces is respected in our society. Serbia has a great military tradition. Therefore, modern army has as much respect as it is worthy of that tradition. Then, in Serbia, the link between the people and the military has always been important. The respect and trust in the army was also influenced by the fact that it assisted citizens in emergency situations, whenever it was needed. Also significant are the activities of civil-military cooperation and openness of the Serbian Armed Forces to the public. Be sure that the behaviour and virtues of individuals, members of the Armed Forces, have their impact on the reputation of the Armed Forces.
As much as worthy you are – so you will be respected!
Have you ever regretted a single moment that you devoted your life to the military service?
- It would be the same as if you asked me whether I am sorry that I am alive! In joined the military as a young boy. I was educated in military schools, commanded, I passed all the duties, felt the bitterness and the beauty of the profession. I never felt remorse because of it, despite the difficult moments through which my colleagues and I were going through in our careers. What has kept me? Stable family and love for my vocation.
What is your attitude to contemporary trends – new communications and technologies? How do you manage in this diversity of phenomena, abundance of irrelevant information, to identify the values that complement the meaning of your life?
- Your question reminded me of an anecdote from the life of Ivo Andric. Being present at some gathering of artists and other wise men, our Nobel laureate has heard that some of the supporters of Futurism, noting the changes in the dynamics of the world events, and even in people's lives, tells how to change the art to speak about the contemporary life. Andric said then that in spite of all the superficial changes, mothers have born their children in their wombs for nine months now as they did before and concluded that the essential important things in human life haven’t changed.
Of course, we are nowadays surrounded by mobile phones, computers, Internet, social networks, but behind all this there is a man, his need for communication and creativity, his hope for a better life and progress. Such novelties I see as a help in the work and I accept them readily, but provided that they serve a man, and not a man to serve them.
When he takes off his uniform, who is Ljubisa Dikovic? What are his joys, hopes for, expectations? What does he still believe in? What is he ready to fight for again?
- National soldier, a man from the people. I am a family man, who has the same concerns and hopes as well as other family men in Serbia today. But the greatest joy for me is happiness and success of my children. I believe in traditional values, but I am not a slave to traditionalism! I am always ready to fight for honour and integrity, for our military and country, and for every member of the military who responsibly performs his duty!
General Ljubisa Dikovic:
You may not sin against people, you have to understand them, feel their needs, provide them with the conditions for work and you have to demand the results from them. In the end, only the results speak about you, your team, collective, unit... I do not save myself or others when it comes to the welfare of the Armed Forces and the state.
I demand order and discipline, excellent training opportunities to the limit, because only in the conditions of good organization, consistent requirements and effective care of people, technique, unit and the military as a whole, each member of the Serbian Armed Forces may be promoted in his profession in the right way and in the right measure.
Women in the Military
Place of women in the military is still causing some malicious comments, because people sometimes tend to base their opinion about someone and something on false assumptions not checking it in practice. Women themselves broke down all the assumptions and showed that they are able to be professional soldiers and officers. After all, Serbia is not a country that can easily flaunt with its human potential. Why should we give up those who wish, can and know how to contribute to the defence system? There are good and less good soldiers, good or less good officers, and what gender they are it is not important. There are, of course, a number of duties in the Serbian army that cannot be successfully performed by women, but not even all men, because of the physical strength needed for them.
Marking of the Armed Forces Day
The main ceremony on the occasion of the Day of the Serbian Armed Forces – 23 April, will be held in Krusevac, with demonstration of part of operational capabilities. Lying of wreaths and salvo will be organized, as well as a number of cultural events, concerts of military orchestras, art exhibitions, book presentations, and there is a traditional reception that is organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces.
The Armed Forces played an important role in the creation of the Serbian statehood. Continuing that bright tradition, the Serbian Armed Forces still has a clear vision in achieving the primary objective, the defence of the country and contributing to peace.
The Day of the Serbian Armed Forces – 23 April, will be marked this year for the second time. It is celebrated in commemoration of the day in the year 1815, when the Second Serbian Uprising was raised in Takovo. On the religious holiday of Palm Sunday, 11 April (23 April in the Gregorian calendar) in 1815, the Serbian officers gathered in Takovo and decided, after the breakdown of the First Serbian Uprising and even worsened situation of the population under the Ottoman rule, to raise a new uprising for freedom and the continuation of the brave beginning of the creation of the modern Serbian state. The Armed Forces played an important role in the creation of the Serbian statehood.
Continuing the bright tradition, the Serbian Armed Forces still has a clear vision in achieving the primary objective, the defence of the country and contributing to peace.
On the occasion of the holidays, Chief of General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic, points out the assessment from the recent analysis of the operational and functional capabilities of the armed forces that the improved command raised to a higher level the quality of staff activities that contribute to the decision making, planning and execution of the operation, and that the Serbian Armed Forces is able to respond to all tasks from its three missions.
General, are there any forms of military threats to Serbia. What are the potential threats in the country and the region nowadays and what is the situation in the Ground Safety Zone in southern Serbia?
- The most influential factors endangering the security are the ethnic and religious extremism, international network of organized crime and illegal migration of people. These security challenges are not military specific but they are hardened due to economic crisis and are typical for all Western Balkan countries. The key to solving them is regional cooperation.
For the Republic of Serbia, the main security challenge is the issue of the status and the current situation in Kosovo and Metohija. We are witnessing the great efforts by the President and the Serbian Government to resolve this issue.
As for the Ground Safety Zone and the south of Serbia, the security situation is relatively stable. Members of the Serbian Armed Forces, in cooperation with the MoI members are responsible in performing their regular tasks to secure the administrative lines thus contributing significantly to stability and security.
You have recently said in a meeting where the extraordinary events during the past year were discussed, the following: "There is no excuse for losing a man in peacetime, especially if the military organization is responsible for this." Unfortunately, in 2012, there were such tragic moments in our armed forces.
- Yes, unfortunately, we had the extraordinary events resulting in death, and life cannot be restored. The Army is an institution which is engaged in a highly risky job and every day there are tasks to be performed which entail risks to life and health of soldiers and officers. These are all kinds of shooting, use of ammunition, explosives, transportation and use of motor vehicles, parachute jumps, demanding Special Forces operations, flying, assault operations, and many other activities. It will be always performed and done, so that we could be ready for basic tasks for which we exist.
However, we must not allow that extraordinary events happen because of bad discipline, subjective failures and non-compliance with the regulations. For all actions and procedures in which the main value and the rights of a man – which is life! – might be endangered, there are measures which we should adhere to. Also, everyone needs to look after themselves and no one can look after them if they do not. We cannot be irresponsible towards our family and our beloved ones, to work not obeying the regulations thus endangering our lives thinking that nothing would happen. It is then, as a rule that extraordinary events occur. In addition, such behaviour of individuals destroy the reputation of our Armed Forces, for which most of us are committed to fight, not regretting either time or sweat.
NCO corps is very important for the functioning of a military organization. How are the NCOs recruited today?
- NCOs hold the primary responsibility for the individual training of soldiers, and direct work with soldiers, order, discipline and care for the subordinates are unthinkable without the NCOs. In the last two decades the carrier development process for those who wish to become non-commissioned officers has been revised several times. Today the NCOs are selected from among the best professional soldiers. We choose and further train those who proved themselves through their work, knowledge, qualification level and skills as potential leaders.
The NCO Training Centre in Pancevo carries out the basic, senior, specialist, command staff and didactic-methodological courses, with a total of 122 programmes for training and professional development of NCOs. Furthermore, every non-commissioned officer develops during his career and gains experience working in the units of the Armed Forces, and their work, in addition to the leaders and commanders, is monitored by Master Sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant who are the best non-commissioned officers in their units, with the highest level of authority. I think that this is an acceptable system that we have yet to refine.
To what extent is the education of cadets at the Military Academy adapted to the needs of the Serbian Armed Forces? Does it get exactly the officer it requires according to the defined missions?
- The Serbian Armed Forces declares the needs for new officers after a detailed analysis of the manning situation and the expected outflow of personnel. This determines the number of cadets to be educated at the Military Academy. As for the motivation of young officers and the quality of their education, they are at a high level. Of course, nobody reaches the pinnacle of his profession immediately after the school, but they must reach that pinnacle by their hard work. The process of acquiring knowledge in the Serbian Armed forces is permanent; it lasts from the beginning of someone's career, from the first day in the ranks to the end of the professional career. And the experience is best enriched in the units where young officers learn from their older colleagues.
What I wish to emphasize is that cadets come to units of the Serbian Armed Forces as early as at the beginning of their schooling, where soldiers take military oath together with the soldiers in voluntary military service and professional soldiers. There is no better way to learn about soldiers, their problems and needs than this – to experience the military life! And to see whether they are for this life and if this life is for them! It is also the best way to gain basic military skills and knowledge that they will need during their entire career.
What are the conditions for training in our exercise ranges, shooting ranges and training grounds? Are there any plans for more extensive and complex inter-service exercises?
- The current real estate training facilities and their capacities and equipment do not fully meet the needs of training, especially when it comes to performing some contents of tactical and live firing training of units of the battalion level and higher. In addition, the issue of the central training ground to perform major joint exercises has not been solved yet. By developing previous Study of Spatial Planning of All-Service Training Ground "Pasuljanske meadows" and Programme Requirements, the Serbian Armed Forces proposed the final solution of the appearance and necessary equipment on the training ground.
Of course, modernising and better equipping of infrastructure for training is directly related to the available funds. We are trying to show our priorities in the financial framework that is available to us. We are working hard on building the infrastructure for the training of individuals and units for participation in multinational operations, in the "South" Base that will meet international standards.
As for exercises, this year the focus has been put on the performance of multi-day and day-and-night field exercises or tactical exercises with live firing of battalion level units. Exercises are the most complex and the best form of training. They are complex, require extensive knowledge and are intended for checking the capabilities of the commands and units. The essence of success and failure is in training.
We are aware of the importance of participation in peacekeeping missions. What will be the priorities in the forthcoming period when it comes to our participation in these missions?
- Priority is to increase the engagement of the Serbian Armed Forces, in accordance with the 2013 Annual Plan for the Employment. This means that this year we are to deploy up to 475 of our members to international missions. We will be engaged in six multinational operations under the United Nations mandate, and the two missions under the leadership of the European Union.
Although militarily neutral, Serbia is trying to organize its defence system according to NATO standards. Why?
- The answer is simple - because these are the world's best standards. They include functional organization, effective procedures, excellent facilities, high level of qualification of individuals and units to perform the task, evaluated by measurable parameters and ability to carry out tasks jointly with the units of other armies.
Why is the introduction of chaplain’s service in our military important?
- The chaplain’s service in our military has a long tradition. The first time it was legally regulated as early as in 1839, under the reign of Prince Milos, when Serbia was not yet fully independent. So this is not just the introduction, but the return of the chaplain’s service.
The chaplain’s service is represented in many modern armies in the world, because it has positive impact on the operational capabilities. Therefore, it is also important for the Serbian Armed Forces. In addition, it provides members of the Armed Forces, as a specific category of citizens, to fully exercise their right to freedom of religion in accordance with the aforementioned specificity. It allows our members to express their religious feelings and meet the spiritual needs of this type.
Statistics usually records a high trust of the citizens in the Armed Forces. Is this a result of its involvement in the third mission helping the population in the event of emergencies or is it something more than that?
- Certainly, there are several reasons why the Serbian Armed Forces is respected in our society. Serbia has a great military tradition. Therefore, modern army has as much respect as it is worthy of that tradition. Then, in Serbia, the link between the people and the military has always been important. The respect and trust in the army was also influenced by the fact that it assisted citizens in emergency situations, whenever it was needed. Also significant are the activities of civil-military cooperation and openness of the Serbian Armed Forces to the public. Be sure that the behaviour and virtues of individuals, members of the Armed Forces, have their impact on the reputation of the Armed Forces.
As much as worthy you are – so you will be respected!
Have you ever regretted a single moment that you devoted your life to the military service?
- It would be the same as if you asked me whether I am sorry that I am alive! In joined the military as a young boy. I was educated in military schools, commanded, I passed all the duties, felt the bitterness and the beauty of the profession. I never felt remorse because of it, despite the difficult moments through which my colleagues and I were going through in our careers. What has kept me? Stable family and love for my vocation.
What is your attitude to contemporary trends – new communications and technologies? How do you manage in this diversity of phenomena, abundance of irrelevant information, to identify the values that complement the meaning of your life?
- Your question reminded me of an anecdote from the life of Ivo Andric. Being present at some gathering of artists and other wise men, our Nobel laureate has heard that some of the supporters of Futurism, noting the changes in the dynamics of the world events, and even in people's lives, tells how to change the art to speak about the contemporary life. Andric said then that in spite of all the superficial changes, mothers have born their children in their wombs for nine months now as they did before and concluded that the essential important things in human life haven’t changed.
Of course, we are nowadays surrounded by mobile phones, computers, Internet, social networks, but behind all this there is a man, his need for communication and creativity, his hope for a better life and progress. Such novelties I see as a help in the work and I accept them readily, but provided that they serve a man, and not a man to serve them.
When he takes off his uniform, who is Ljubisa Dikovic? What are his joys, hopes for, expectations? What does he still believe in? What is he ready to fight for again?
- National soldier, a man from the people. I am a family man, who has the same concerns and hopes as well as other family men in Serbia today. But the greatest joy for me is happiness and success of my children. I believe in traditional values, but I am not a slave to traditionalism! I am always ready to fight for honour and integrity, for our military and country, and for every member of the military who responsibly performs his duty!
General Ljubisa Dikovic:
You may not sin against people, you have to understand them, feel their needs, provide them with the conditions for work and you have to demand the results from them. In the end, only the results speak about you, your team, collective, unit... I do not save myself or others when it comes to the welfare of the Armed Forces and the state.
I demand order and discipline, excellent training opportunities to the limit, because only in the conditions of good organization, consistent requirements and effective care of people, technique, unit and the military as a whole, each member of the Serbian Armed Forces may be promoted in his profession in the right way and in the right measure.
Women in the Military
Place of women in the military is still causing some malicious comments, because people sometimes tend to base their opinion about someone and something on false assumptions not checking it in practice. Women themselves broke down all the assumptions and showed that they are able to be professional soldiers and officers. After all, Serbia is not a country that can easily flaunt with its human potential. Why should we give up those who wish, can and know how to contribute to the defence system? There are good and less good soldiers, good or less good officers, and what gender they are it is not important. There are, of course, a number of duties in the Serbian army that cannot be successfully performed by women, but not even all men, because of the physical strength needed for them.
Marking of the Armed Forces Day
The main ceremony on the occasion of the Day of the Serbian Armed Forces – 23 April, will be held in Krusevac, with demonstration of part of operational capabilities. Lying of wreaths and salvo will be organized, as well as a number of cultural events, concerts of military orchestras, art exhibitions, book presentations, and there is a traditional reception that is organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces.
