P. Gajdoš: Academy prepares high quality officers

Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš and DCHOD/COS Maj Gen Miroslav Kocian attended a passing-out parade for officer cadets and a graduation ceremony for graduates of full-time Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes at Milan Rastislav Štefánik Armed Forces Academy (AOS) in Liptovský Mikuláš. A total of 54 officer cadets, of whom 7 were servicewomen, were promoted to Lieutenant, the first officer rank on commissioning. The Minister expressed his conviction that the passing-out parade is a milestone in one's life, never to be forgotten. He further expressed his hope that their education is not yet over and that they will continue to study in Magister (Mgr) and Master of Science (MSc) degree programmes. To the junior officers, he reminded that if they are to stay abreast of the latest advances in the dynamically evolving military environment, they must continue their personal development throughout their entire careers. For the concluded academic year, the Best Graduate of the Academy title went to Lt BSc Martin Daniel, who was presented with the Armed Forces Academy Sword. Following the passing-out parade and the graduation ceremony, the soldiers reported to their military units and organisational elements across Defence already on Monday (10 July). As a priority, they were mainly posted to SVK Land Forces units as commanders of platoons. The graduates of the BSc programmes received the BSc degree and were promoted to Lieutenant. They can now continue their studies in three-year external Mgr/MSc degree programmes (i.e. National Security and Defence; Electronic Weapon Systems; Military Signals and Information Systems; and Weapon Systems, Weapons and their Components).