New Military Personnel take the oath, Defence Minister Vengu: The Armed Forces NATO requires are built on human capital

New Military Personnel take the oath, Defence Minister Vengu: The Armed Forces NATO requires are built on human capital

A total of 387 recruits, cadets, and students took the military oath, officially beginning their service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bajram Begaj; Defence Minister Pirro Vengu; Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji; as well as instructors, lecturers, and family members of the new service members.

In his address, President Begaj congratulated the new personnel on embarking on this noble path, emphasizing that military service represents honor, pride, and responsibility in defending the Homeland and ensuring national and international peace and security. He highlighted the contribution of the Armed Forces within NATO and peacekeeping missions, noting that the increased Defence Budget is aimed at strengthening human and operational capabilities in a sustainable manner.

Defence Minister Pirro Vengu praised the young men and women for their voluntary decision to join the Armed Forces in a challenging regional and European security environment. He stressed that military strength is not defined solely by technology or equipment, but primarily by people, by their character, discipline, and ability to perform under pressure.

The Minister underlined that military education is the cornerstone of the Armed Forces and that the force NATO requires, and Albania deserves, is built on trained personnel and functional structures. Referring to the "Defence 2030" vision, he emphasized that investments in the Armed Forces Academy, training centres, modern ranges, laboratories, and advanced training systems are essential to building a modern, credible, and interoperable force.

The ceremony also highlighted the participation of cadets and students from Kosovo, who are being trained under the same standards and values, strengthening trust, interoperability, and regional security.

Concluding his remarks, Defence Minister Vengu stated that today the Armed Forces are more than an army; they are a key pillar of national defence, including the cyber domain, and a strategic reserve of human capital contributing to the country's long-term resilience.