Bečić: Divisions within the security sector are behind us — we are cleaning the system and those trying to sabotage it

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić and Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović visited the “13. jul” barracks in Nikšić today, as well as the public event “The Army in Your City” held at the town square. During their visit, they toured the new hangar and maintenance workshop for multipurpose JLTV "Oshkosh" vehicles.

We are intensifying efforts to build capacity, improve conditions, and modernize the defence system. The days of discrimination based on nationality, religion, or any other grounds are behind us. Today, in the security and defence systems, as well as the Armed Forces of Montenegro, quality, professionalism, knowledge, and integrity are the only values that count, Bečić emphasized. He added that the divisions that once undermined the security and defence system are now in the past, and a new era of healing and reform is underway — one that depends on capable individuals.

Year after year, we will continue to significantly strengthen capacities. But the foundation of any system, especially this one, is people. That’s why we are committed to improving salaries and working conditions, retaining and motivating experienced professionals, and removing all illicit influences. Anyone within the security or defence system who has ties to crime, corruption, narcotics, or any illegal activities should know — if the system hasn’t caught up with them yet, it soon will, Bečić firmly stated. He highlighted integrity as the top priority and stressed the importance of injecting new personnel — young people whose energy combined with the experience of current professionals will form the winning team Montenegro and its army need.

Minister Krapović underlined the importance of continued investment in infrastructure and working conditions, announcing that the Ministry of Defence will keep financing projects that ensure members of the Montenegrin Armed Forces have appropriate facilities for work, accommodation, and training.

The Nikšić barracks hold tremendous potential that we will continue to develop in line with modern standards and the needs of the military, the Minister said.

Special attention during the visit was given to the training of the 6th Contingent of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, who are preparing for the NATO “Forward Land Forces” (FLF) mission in Bulgaria — training currently underway at the “13. jul” barracks.

Bečić and Krapović both emphasized the significance of Montenegrin military participation in international missions.

The Armed Forces of Montenegro remain committed to modernizing and equipping their units to contribute effectively to collective security within NATO. Today we witnessed the high readiness of our contingent, which will proudly represent Montenegro in Bulgaria, Krapović said. He also noted that today’s activity in Nikšić aligns with two ongoing recruitment announcements — one for contract soldiers and the other for voluntary military service.

We are working to bring the Army closer to citizens. It’s important, especially for young people, to understand the role and value of the defence system — and the honor and privilege of serving in it, Krapović stated.

Commander of the barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Delić presented reconstruction and development projects for existing and new facilities within the Nikšić barracks.