Military service is back in the spotlight in Serbia, and Marko Vidojković is not holding back in his column. Five years ago, mandatory military service was supposed to be introduced, but it wasn’t. Today, he claims, because of that, we have unruly terrorists and street blockers instead of a disciplined army ready to defend the country. The Serbian president has clearly stated that military service is necessary because if young men don’t serve, foreign agencies will train them to terrorize Serbia. The plan is for every young man aged 19 to 27 to undergo a seventy-day training, where they will listen to historical speeches, sing songs honoring the supreme commander, and take a solemn oath. Rewards are promised for those who complete the training successfully, including a one-day trip to the “Baba Žvala heroes’ camp.” This idea sparks mixed reactions, but it’s clear that military service is becoming a political and social imperative. Is this Serbia’s salvation or just another political spectacle? Jump into the conversation and tell us what you think about this plan that promises discipline but also controversy.
