Defence Minister Dragan Sutanovac stated that Serbia wishes to take a leading role in the region concerning defence and security and that after the completion of the professionalization process the Serbian Army will hold a very respectable position.

In an interview with the daily Danas, Sutanovac said that professionalization creates a better defence system and ensures improved security.

The professional soldier is well trained and ready and able to respond to any challenge. The professional soldier has a secure career but his job is demanding, he said.

The current salary of professional soldiers stands at nearly RSD 27,000. The aim is to double the pay in relation to the average salary in Serbia, said the Minister.

The costs of a professional army compared to recruits are smaller because fewer training courses are held, said Sutanovac.

There is enormous interest among the public for a military career. Four times more candidates applied last year than ever before and this confirms that the Army has restored its reputation, he said.

This trend is also seen when it comes to military schools. It is interesting to note that a large number of women are applying. From 12% to 15% of professional soldiers are women, he said.

The process of the professionalization of the Army began in 2003. All other armed forces in the region have been professionalised, said Sutanovac.

It is expected that December recruits will be the last ones to go through obligatory military service, the Minister said.