Serbia ramps up military exercises with massive reservist call-ups

Serbian citizens have begun receiving military exercise call-up notices in large quantities. Aleksandar Radić, a military analyst, told the weekly "Vreme" that "it is a reasonable decision because, in the event of a crisis, the response could be delayed."

Radić emphasized that it is essential for the Serbian armed forces to conduct regular training of reservists and to refresh military knowledge and routines continuously. "Although exercises take place every year and in every unit, it was a different time, and it was experienced differently before," Radić noted, referring to the international and regional context of the current training of Serbian reservists.

When asked whom Serbia might potentially engage in conflict with, considering that the NATO member states surround it, Radić replied, "The country has to be prepared for any scenario. "Where would Ukraine be now if it didn't have mandatory military service and didn't conduct reservist training?" the expert asked rhetorically.

Colonel Saša Petrović, representing the Serbian army, explained in an interview with Prva TV that territorial authorities initiate the summoning of reservists to military service at the request of the commands of units and institutions of the Serbian Armed Forces and that it is also based on annual plans for the call-up and training of reserve personnel.

According to Serbian law, reserve members can be called up for military exercises for a maximum of 90 days a year.

Reservists must respond to the call and attend at the designated time and place. Participation in the exercises is a legal obligation, and an unexcused absence can result in a fine ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 dinars (approximately £80 to £400) or imprisonment for up to 60 days.

Being called up for military exercises cannot lead to the termination of an employment contract for the reservist. While present at the training ground, the employee continues to receive their salary. Unemployed individuals in the reserve receive compensation for attending military exercises, equivalent to the net salary of a professional soldier of the same rank and position.