Strong Will Derives Only from Strong Faith

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted in his speech that we live in turbulent times: the world is shaken by wars and there are European leaders, “sabre-rattling politicians, who envision a forthcoming war and earlier tried to smash armed forces”. At the same time, peace is in the fundamental interest of us, Hungarians. He said that peace can be built by the diplomats; they are the ones who have to avoid war, too, and if they do not succeed, soldiers have to fight it. “We are in big trouble if those selected as diplomats want to wage war at all costs.”

He called attention to the fact that peace requires intention and strength and we, Hungarians, want to live in peace; therefore, we are building strength, modern armed forces, which are ours and which can cooperate with our allies to create a joint force.

He also mentioned that without NCOs, “the strength of the army cannot be revived,” and the NCOs taking oath on Saturday undertake this service. According to the minister, we cannot know what the future will be like, whether the 21st century will be the era of wars or “common sense will prevail;” thus, the Hungarian Defence Forces must always be ready to defend Hungary.

He underlined that the Hungarian Defence Forces need impeccable soldiers who respect their mission and enhance their vocation’s honour with their exemplary service on every level, adding that the NCOs sworn in have proved that they are prepared and worthy, both in competence and spirit, to lead and take care. “The service requiring great sacrifices that you are undertaking to stand between danger and your compatriots cannot be successful without patriotism. Patriotism and respect for one’s country preserve the soldier: these show the way in everyday life and in serious moments requiring great decisions” – said the minister.

He also pointed out that the Hungarian soldier’s vocation is to defend the country, and the craft of warfighting is an inseparable part of their mission; they have to know how to fight, how to use their weapons and be able to fight under any circumstances.

“Be worthy of your superiors’ and inferiors’ respect and esteem, and serve so that the nation be proud of the HDF at all times”, said Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.

General Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff, underlined in his speech that NCOs form the backbone of the armed forces; they not only keep the system going but also keep it together. NCOs are the pillar on which the weight of the structure rests, and the bridge that connects the commander to the personnel.

He added that NCOs are masters in their own fields of expertise, their professional preparedness, technical knowledge, judgement of character and leadership skills distinguish them from the others. They not only give orders and instructions but also show an example and stand up for the values providing a basis for the military vocation, such as loyalty, bravery, honour and discipline.

The Chief of the HDF Defence Staff also said that he expects NCOs to be the masters of their vocation and also humane leaders, who are faithful to the traditions and set of values of the military. He added that the most important thing is that soldiers be loyal, true to their comrades, commanders, the goals of the Hungarian Defence Forces and the nation.

Following the oath-taking, JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft of the HDF 101st Aviation Wing and rotary-wing aircraft of the HDF 86th Helicopter Wing performed a flypast with a coloured smoke air display to pay tribute to the NCOs beginning their service.